Yoshinobu Yamamoto is willing to put his usual pitching routine aside if the Los Angeles Dodgers need him during their postseason run.
With Los Angeles preparing for Game 3 of its National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Yamamoto has made it clear that he is willing to adjust his role.
According to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, Yamamoto told manager Dave Roberts that he is open to pitching on short rest or coming out of the bullpen if necessary.
The decision comes with the Dodgers and Braves tied 1-1 after Atlanta’s 3-2 victory in Game 2. Los Angeles now faces a crucial stretch as it looks to take control of the series.
“Yamamoto said through an interpreter that he is willing to do whatever the team needs from him this postseason,” Chen reported.
Yamamoto has been one of the Dodgers’ most important starters this season. He finished the regular season with a 2.53 ERA and 182 strikeouts across 185 innings, establishing himself as a key part of the pitching staff.
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His willingness to take on a different role could give Roberts another option as the Dodgers navigate their postseason pitching plans.
Whether that means taking the ball on short rest or providing innings out of the bullpen, Yamamoto appears ready to prioritize the team’s needs over his normal routine.
With the series moving forward and the margin for error shrinking, that flexibility could become valuable for the Dodgers as they try to advance deeper into October.
