Dodgers star Yoshinobu Yamamoto joins list of great Japanese players in MLB history

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher. He played exceptionally well in April because of which he has been awarded the National League Pitcher of the Month award. He played six games and was the league leader. He gave only four runs and struck out several batters. This award shows how well he is performing in Major League Baseball ( MLB ). Yoshinobu Yamamoto has become extremely popular in a very short period.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominates April with top performance
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched in six games in April. Together in all of those games, he allowed just four runs in 34 innings, which is a great job. That is, he kept other teams from scoring in most innings that he pitched. His 1.06 ERA (Earned Run Average) shows just how good he was. A low ERA shows that it was quite hard for other teams to score runs against him. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s control and velocity on the mound kept the batters from hitting.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Lights out. pic.twitter.com/LtwcFVxBiZ

— Nate (@dodgernate) May 3, 2025

He also struck out 43 batters, i.e., got them out without them hitting the ball. He struck out nine or more in three games. He pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out 10 batters in one game against the Texas Rangers. That was one of his best games till now.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is among other great Japanese pitchers
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is currently one of just four Japanese pitchers to have won this award in Major League Baseball. They all had phenomenal careers and became very popular in baseball. Yamamoto is now part of that select group.

He is also the first Dodgers starting pitcher to ever win this award since Clayton Kershaw was awarded it back in 2023. Although Yamamoto isn't experienced within the league as of yet, he is already showing that he has the capabilities of being one of the most significant stars. His coaches already boast about him, and everyone is extremely willing to watch him play. Almost everyone believes Yamamoto has the potential to be the best pitcher during this season.


Also Read: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Is Back At Dodger Stadium Preparing For His First Start Since June