Yoshinobu Yamamoto won’t be returning any time soon for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The rookie from Japan was transferred to the 60-day IL as he recovers from a strained rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. His IL stint will last at least until the middle of August.
While it’s bad news that Yamamoto’s return won’t come soon, the chance for him to return at some point this season is still on the table. His absence atop the Dodgers rotation is glaring. He posted a 2.92 ERA in 14 starts before going on the IL. Yamamoto struck out 84 batters and walked 17 in 74.0 innings.
LA’s rotation should be getting some reinforcements soon, but they’ll be in great shape if Yamamoto is able to return in time to be ready for a playoff run.