Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a strained rotator cuff, but fortunately, there’s no tear. Initially thought to be triceps tightness, the injury led to Yamamoto’s placement on the 15-day injured list. He won’t throw for a couple of weeks, but Roberts emphasized that it’s not season-ending.
This development comes after a tough weekend for the Dodgers, who still managed to take two out of three games from the Royals. Star shortstop Mookie Betts suffered a broken left hand after being hit by a pitch on Sunday. Yamamoto, in his first MLB season after signing a record $325 million contract, boasts a 6-2 record and 2.92 ERA.
Roberts highlighted the importance of Yamamoto’s health, especially with the most critical part of the season approaching. Yamamoto left Saturday’s game after two innings due to triceps tightness, which he had experienced earlier in the week. Despite his impressive performance against the Yankees on June 7, throwing 106 pitches, Roberts is mindful of Yamamoto’s pitch count.
With Bobby Miller returning to the rotation and Clayton Kershaw making his first rehab start this week, the Dodgers will maintain a five-man starting staff.
The team also placed Michael Grove on the IL and called up J.P. Feyereisen and Michael Petersen from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Joe Kelly was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Petersen on the 40-man roster.