Yoshinobu Yamamoto Makes Impressive Return in 1st MLB Start Since Mid-June

In a high-profile matchup of Japanese pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his first MLB start since June 15 and Shota Imanaga was back on the mound six days after contributing to a combined no-hitter.

The Chicago Cubs scored five runs in the eighth inning and defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-3 on Tuesday, September 10 at Dodger Stadium. For the Dodgers, fielding woes in the pivotal eighth (three errors) played a big part in their defeat.

It was the first MLB showdown for Imanaga and Yamamoto, two former NPB pitching standouts in their homeland.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke about the pitching matchup before the game.

"They've traveled halfway around the world and they're still competing against each other," Counsell told reporters, according to The Associated Press. "That's pretty cool."

Chasing MLB History

Another big storyline was on display at the ballpark: The Shohei Ohtani 50-50 watch continued. But the Dodgers leadoff hitter went 0-for-4. Ohtani has 46 home runs and 47 stolen bases in 2024, and Los Angeles (86-59) has 17 games remaining this season.

He's on pace to finish with 51 homers and 52 stolen bases and become MLB's first 50-50 player in the same season.

Imanaga Tagged for a Trio of Solo Homers

Chicago's Imanaga (13-3) allowed three solo home runs, including a pair to Tommy Edman, in his seven-inning outing. He scattered seven hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out four. Imanaga threw 89 pitches, 58 strikes. (He made 95 pitches on September 4, leaving after seven innings with a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.)

"Today I pitched well because I was going against him (Yamamoto)," Imanaga said through an interpreter, according to The Associated Press. 

"I had a limit and I kind of went past that. It was a good day."

Yamamoto Has Full Command of His Pitches

Yamamoto, who was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, struck out the side in the first inning, including compatriot Seiya Suzuki on a full-count, four-seam fastball to end the inning.

Returning to the starting rotation for the season's stretch run after dealing with a right shoulder injury, Yamamoto fanned his fourth consecutive batter to start the second inning.

He finished with eight strikeouts and no walks in four innings, allowing one hit and one run. Yamamoto tossed 59 pitches (42 for strikes).

Reactions to Yamamoto's Performance

"My feel for my pitches was as good as it has been this year, and that was true even with my breaking pitches," Yamamoto was quoted as saying by Kyodo News. "I'm relieved that I finished without any issues."

Comparing his performance to other mound appearances for the Dodgers, Yamamoto acknowledged it was noteworthy.

"Today was pretty close to the best of the year," Yamamoto said, according to The Associated Press. "Today's outing turned out much better than I expected."

Yamamoto's fastball topped out at 98 mph (157 kph), helping him to also strike out the side in the third inning.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was born in Okinawa, said Yamamoto's stellar performance was an encouraging sign.

"Very impressive," Roberts said, according to MLB.com. "We'll take this every start going forward. Fastball command, both sides of the plate. Hits the low dart, the split down below. Stealing a strike with the breaking ball. It was just really efficient. Yeah, it was really good."

And how did Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes assess Yamamoto's performance?

"Everything looked good ― his fastball, his curveball, split. It was pretty surprising, Barnes was quoted as saying by MLB.com. "I didn't know how he was going to look coming back, but he looked better than ever."

MLB Game Notes

Suzuki went 3-for-5 with an RBI and scored a run. He's now batting .273 for Chicago.

The Cubs (75-70), who are in second place in the National League Central, have won three straight games and remain in the hunt for a wild-card berth.

RELATED:

• [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Shohei Ohtani is on Pace to Become MLB's 1st 50-50 Player
• Cubs' Shota Imanaga Throws 7 Innings in a Combined No-Hitter

Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.