Yoshinobu Yamamoto balances workload for WBC repeat, Dodgers three-peat

Dodgers ace Yamamoto prepares to pitch for Japan in World Baseball Classic while aiming to help Los Angeles win third straight World Series

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:50am

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he will look to help the team defend its title. However, Dodgers fans are concerned about Yamamoto's workload and hope he returns healthy to help the team pursue a third consecutive World Series championship. Yamamoto says he is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge, having worked extensively in the offseason to get ready.

Why it matters

Yamamoto is a key part of the Dodgers' pitching rotation and his health is crucial to the team's chances of winning a third straight World Series title. The Dodgers have several other pitchers dealing with injuries or restrictions, making Yamamoto's availability even more important. Fans will be watching closely to see how Yamamoto balances his commitments to both Team Japan and the Dodgers.

The details

Yamamoto gave up five hits and two runs in three innings in a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants on Friday. He is tentatively scheduled to pitch against Chinese Taipei on March 6 in his WBC opener, where he will be limited to 65 pitches. Yamamoto could pitch again in the quarterfinals with a 75-pitch limit, or if Japan advances to the semifinals in Miami, he could pitch the semifinal or championship game with a 95-pitch restriction. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says the team and Yamamoto's pitching staff are aligned on his WBC workload.

  • Yamamoto is leaving for Tokyo to meet up with Team Japan and prepare for the WBC.
  • Yamamoto is tentatively scheduled to pitch against Chinese Taipei on March 6 in his WBC opener, where he will be limited to 65 pitches.

The players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is preparing to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic while also aiming to help the Dodgers win a third straight World Series championship.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who says the team is aligned with Yamamoto's pitching staff on his WBC workload.

Shohei Ohtani

A star player for Japan's national team who will be joining Yamamoto on the roster.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to miss him certainly when he's away with Team Japan, but we absolutely got what we needed.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“I'm looking forward to that game against Taiwan. I understand the passion of Taiwanese fans and baseball fans. So I think it's special.”

— Yoshinobu Yamamoto

“The dude is an animal. Little guy, nicest guy in the world, but man ... when he's on the mound, that stadium is his, and he's shown it.”

— Kiké Hernández, Dodgers Teammate

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