WATCH: Shohei Ohtani playfully attacks Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani have a strong relationship. The two have been teammates with Japan for a very long time. So while this is Ohtani's first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Yamamoto's first in the MLB, their chemistry shines through.

That was evident during a recent game when Ohtani playfully attacked his teammate. Yamamoto was walking in front of Ohtani, and Ohtani impulsively brought down a silly chop to the top of his friend's head. Check it out below:

Yamamoto ducked after being struck and turned around to see who his attacker was. When he realized it was just Ohtani, he began smiling and laughing with his teammate.

These two are long friends and it seems to be paying dividends for the Dodgers, as they're one of baseball's strongest teams. Ohtani is one of MLB's best hitters and Yamamoto is putting together a thrilling rookie season.

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Shohei Ohtani working to join Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Next year, barring any major setbacks, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have an even deeper rotation. This year, they feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Gavin Stone, Tyler Glasnow, and Bobby Miller. In 2025, they'll add Shohei Ohtani to the mix.

Shohei Ohtani has been throwing

Ohtani has been progressing well in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The latest reports say he's throwing 80 miles per hour from 60 feet. He can't pitch this year, so he's been reduced to strictly the DH role, but he's working toward it next year.

Ohtani said, via MLB.com:

“Just continuing to increase the distance and the pitches, and just seeing where that goes. I’m not quite sure how far I’m gonna go out there, but that’s the progression.”

When he does return to the mound, he will make up a rotation that features two of Japan's best pitchers. Both Ohtani and Yamamoto have been key figures for the national team. That team won the World Baseball Classic over Team USA in 2023, and the Dodgers will make use of them next year and potentially for the next nine seasons after that.

Yamamoto is under contract for 12 seasons including 2024, and Ohtani signed for 10 including 2024. These two could dominate alongside each other on the mound for LA and Japan for a very long time.