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Yoshinobu Yamamoto put together a stellar performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday at Chase Field that helped the Los Angeles Dodgers clinch the NL West title. Yamamoto went six innings, only allowing four hits and striking out seven Arizona batters. Moreover, the Dodgers’ offense went off for eight runs as the team cruised to a victory and didn’t allow any bullpen struggles to rear their ugly heads. “I’m really happy that I was able to maintain good condition and performance throughout the season,” Yamamoto told SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson through his interpreter. “I’m very thankful to my great teammates, and also the fans gave us a constant support. I’m really thankful.” Dodgers Will Lean On Yoshinobu Yamamoto Heading into the postseason, it’s clear that Yamamoto will be the ace leading the charge for the Dodgers as they look to win back-to-back World Series titles. Last season, the 27-year-old got a taste of MLB playoff baseball, so heading into Year 2, he knows what to expect. “Last year, we won the Championship, and then this year I’d like to utilize the experience from last October,” Yamamoto added. “I’d like to show the performance I have, because I was going to make it better than last year.” Yoshinobu Yamamoto Puts Himself In Impressive Company Moreover, the Dodgers pitcher is coming off a stellar 2025 season that should give him plenty of confidence heading into October. According to Opta Sports, since ERA became official in both leagues in 1913, Yamamoto is just the second pitcher in MLB history to post a season with at least 200 strikeouts, an ERA under 2.50, an opponent batting average below .200, a WHIP under 1.00, and fewer than 35 extra-base hits allowed. The only other pitcher to accomplish that was Bob Gibson in 1968. Expect Yamamoto to get the ball in Game 1 of the Wild Card round against an opponent that is yet to be determined, but heading into Friday’s action, the New York Mets are in the driver’s seat to face the Dodgers in what would be a rematch of last year’s NLCS.
