Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has lauded pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto for his remarkable consistency and durability, especially considering the high demands placed on pitchers.
Yamamoto, who is set to make his second consecutive All-Star appearance, has posted a 2.49 earned run average with 100 strikeouts across 104.2 innings pitched in 16 starts this season. This follows a 2025 regular season where he recorded a 2.49 ERA with 201 strikeouts in 173.2 innings. Yamamoto was nearly no-hit by the Chicago White Sox last month, giving up a home run with only three outs remaining.
Betts shared his admiration on his podcast, "On Base with Mookie Betts," highlighting Yamamoto's ability to maintain his performance level year after year while staying healthy. "As much as he pitched last year, right? Then pitched what he did in the postseason and then to now come around and do what he’s doing now. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody stay healthy and be as good for this long," Betts stated.
Yamamoto's contributions were crucial to the Dodgers' recent World Series championship run, where he went 5-1 with a 1.45 ERA in October and earned World Series MVP honors. He famously pitched in Game 7 of the World Series on zero days' rest. His ability to avoid major injuries through last season and into the current one has impressed his teammates.
Betts has reportedly incorporated some of Yamamoto's training regimen into his own routine. Yamamoto's trainer, Yada Sensei, has worked with Betts on a javelin-throwing exercise designed to enhance shoulder strength and throwing mechanics. Betts himself made a notable transition from right field to shortstop last season, earning six Gold Glove awards at his previous position.
The Dodgers currently lead the National League with a 60-32 record, with both Yamamoto and Betts being key contributors to the team's success and winning culture as they aim for a third consecutive championship.