Tough MLB debut for Dodgers’ Yamamoto: “I feel responsible for the loss”
Los Angeles Dodgers Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 26, who was criticized in his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in Seoul, said he “feels responsible for the loss” and vowed to improve in his next game.
Yamamoto started the second game of the opening two-game set of the MLB World Series Seoul 2024 against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21 and gave up five runs on four hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in one inning.
The Dodgers battled San Diego’s hot hitting, but ultimately fell 11-15 after Yamamoto was pulled after one inning. Yamamoto wore the yoke of defeat in his MLB debut.
After winning three straight Pacific League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and the Sawamura Award while playing for the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball, Yamamoto signed a massive 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers through the posting system after the 2023 season.
It was the longest and most expensive contract ever signed by an MLB pitcher.
With no MLB experience and a huge contract, the fact that Yamamoto was making his debut in South Korea raised eyebrows.
However, Yamamoto’s debut was a disgrace.
In the post-game press conference, Yamamoto said, “I didn’t start off well, which led to a run. After I got into set position, my pitches were shaky.” “I’m upset that I lost the game. I also feel a sense of responsibility.”
Before the game, the Dodgers were in the midst of an uproar. Superstar Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was under fire.
Ohtani’s defense attorneys accused Mizuhara of stealing money 카지노 from Ohtani. Mizuhara, who was also accused of illegal gambling, was fired by the Dodgers.
Asked if Mizuhara’s dismissal had an impact, Yamamoto said, “It was the day of the start, so we didn’t have much time to talk. I didn’t have any information,” he said, adding, “I don’t know much about the matter.”
After his disastrous debut, Yamamoto seemed to take heart, saying, “The season is long.”
“I’ll look back on today’s game and change my attitude for the next game. I know what I need to fix,” he said, adding, “I will get advice from the pitching coach and prepare for the next game. I’m determined to pitch well next time so I can contribute to the team.”
