Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto each represent one of the biggest acquisitions of the millenium for the Dodgers. Indeed, over $1 billion was committed between the two Japanese stars this offseason.
However, the transition to their new ballclub has not come without challenges. For Yamamoto, living in the USA was a completely new experience, and came replete with culture shocks. For Ohtani, his early days as a Dodger were mired by the scandal that unfolded around his longtime friend and interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
Despite these adjustment pains, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been impressed by both individuals. During a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Roberts praised both Ohtani and Yamamoto for what he claims has been a seamless transition.
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"Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on the extra effort Ohtani and Yamamoto are putting in to be part of the clubhouse culture" - Foul Territory
In the interview, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager lauded Ohtani for trying to "be more independent" and engage with teammates more. Moreover, Roberts praised Yamamoto's efforts to learn English. Roberts concluded by saying "it's fun to see those guys like each other and get along and play for one another."
For Yamamoto, a three-time NPB MVP, the switch to MLB was not an easy one. In his first start for the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres on March 21, the 25 year-old was yanked after one inning for allowing five runs. However, Yamamoto has battled back, and most recently threw six shutout innings against the Washington Nationals on April 25.
"How did Yoshinobu Yamamoto make this play?!?" - MLB
While injuries have limited Shohei Ohtani's ability to pitch this season, the reigning AL MVP is getting it done with the bat. Already with seven home runs and 17 RBIs, Ohtani once again leads MLB in total bases and slugging percentage.
Dave Roberts continues active role working with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Though Roberts was full of kind words for Ohtani and Yamamoto, the former Manager of the Year never skips a day of work. Despite the fact that Ohtani is hitting .354 on the season, Roberts still spent some 1-on-1 time working on Ohtani's strike zone appraoch. According to the Japan Times, Roberts claimed:
"Any time he swings the bat he can change the game, and now being even more disciplined in the strike zone just makes him more scary,”
Having two generational players on your team is not an easy task for a manager, but Dave Roberts appears to understand exactly how to handle the situation.
