Yoshinobu Yamamoto returns: Dodgers cause a stir

The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing to bring back one of their biggest investments in the pitcher rotation. Manager Dave Roberts announced that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will return from the injured list on September 10 against the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old right-hander, who was signed in the offseason with a record-setting 12-year, $325 million contract, has been out of action since June due to a shoulder injury. He now faces a return to a rotation that raises many unresolved questions – including the use of nearly half a billion dollars on two offseason signings (Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow) who are currently injured. Yamamoto's return itself is, however, fraught with uncertainties. In his two rehabilitation starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City, he pitched only two innings each. A prolonged 17-pitch at-bat against former Major Leaguer Omar Narváez increased Yamamoto's pitch count in his last outing on Tuesday night. The Dodgers decided to bring Yamamoto back despite incomplete build-up – Roberts stated it would not be surprising if Yamamoto pitches up to the fourth inning in the games. The upcoming starts are intended to help increase his endurance leading up to the playoffs. “I think the stuff will be there," Roberts said. "I'm not sure about the command. We expect four starts from him, and as we build that up and increase volume, we'll be ready for more.” Given the state of the Dodgers' rotation and the significant contract they gave him in the winter, it’s certain that Yamamoto will also be starting games for them in October. Prior to his injury, he shined with a 2.92 ERA over 74 innings, despite a disastrous debut in South Korea and seven scoreless innings in his penultimate start at Yankee Stadium. “Our expectations, why we trusted him, are because of that,” said Roberts. Yet the question marks remain. Jack Flaherty, acquired at the deadline, has made a case for October. Gavin Stone had a remarkable rookie season but has already surpassed his previous career-high innings. Clayton Kershaw's aching left toe landed him on the injured list, complicating hopes that the longtime franchise ace can contribute in the postseason. This essentially left open trials for Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller over the last month of the season, both of whom have faltered significantly in 2024 (Buehler after a second Tommy John surgery and Miller after a breakout rookie season that earned him a postseason start in 2023). "Performance will dictate everything,” Roberts said. “We have a lot of things going on regarding injuries. [Buehler and Miller] both have a chance to salvage this season.” And then there's Glasnow, who hasn't pitched since August 11 due to elbow tendinitis. The 31-year-old right-hander, whom the Dodgers signed and extended in the winter, is expected to throw off the mound again this weekend, the first major step towards a possible return by the end of the month.