It’s not a bad thing to have a pitcher like Clayton Carshaw in the clubhouse.
The future Hall of Fame in Los Angeles not only does he make the team better on the field, but he also gives some respect in the clubhouse for everything he has achieved in part of his 17 major league seasons.
‘ second-year starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave an incredible quote about his left-handed teammate ahead of the team’s opening game of the season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo.
“First of all, I respect him. Of course, I respect his personality, in terms of baseball,” Yamamoto said. “I respect him in every way. He’s an example. Just being in the same space as him makes me feel like I’m good at baseball.”
Yamamoto began his adventure in following in the footsteps of the Carshow when he won the mound on his first opening day in 2025.
After his awful debut with the San Diego Padres in the Seoul Series last season, Yamamoto wanted to redeem himself in Tokyo.
“This is my second year. I’m not a rookie anymore,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter. “So I want to be better and be a player who can contribute more to the team.”
More news: pitcher named as a potential trade candidate in 2025
According to manager Dave Roberts, the disappointing start to 2024 has made him grow a bit.
“I think Yoshinobu has grown quite a bit in a year,” Roberts said. “I think he’s going to have an incredible season, and I think it speaks to his personality in the sense that he speaks to his competition and his character to bounce back like he did after that big-time failure.”
Last season he offered Yamamoto’s early lessons, but he’s all looking ahead.
“There’s not much difference when it comes to preparations,” Yamamoto said. “Things haven’t gone my way last year, but this year I think I’m pretty pleased with where I am.”
Yamamoto sparkled in his 2025 debut, pitching five innings of a one-run ball, leading the to victory and opening the season.
More news: The former outfielder released by MLB’s worst team announces changes in wild position
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA Today Sports
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