Yoshinobu Yamamoto Injury Update: Dodger hoping to get back Japanese pitcher after positive progress in recovery

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is optimistic to return this season after a long layoff due to a strained rotator cuff. At first, the injury was thought to be triceps tightness, and the strain was diagnosed later. He underwent a rehab activity where his return instantly became a hot topic.

As of now, he's focusing on stretching out his shoulder to the maximum, and the aim is to reach 200 feet of distance in catch play on Monday. The date of his return is still unclear, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto doesn't want the fans to lose hope.

"That's my goal," Yamamoto said on returning this season, per ESPN's Alden González. "… I'm trying to come back as soon as I can."

“There is some frustration. But the fact is, I just need to keep focusing on rehab and then get myself ready to get back. I have to keep working with the trainers and just do my preparation based on what they say," he added.

Per Gonzalez, the Dodgers are also hopeful the pitcher can come back before the end of the regular season.

Before getting injured, Yamamoto was enjoying a productive season, holding a 6-2 record with a 2.92 ERA. He hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since June 7.

The LA rotation has been hit hard by injury this season, with Tyler Glasnow and Walker Buehler also missing time.

Dave Roberts talks about the recovery of Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Dave Roberts watches the action against the Detroit Tiger. Credit: IMAGN

The absence of a proven ace like Yoshinobu Yamamoto creates a significant gap in the Dodgers' pitching staff. Manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged Yamamoto's potential role in the team, describing him as an "impact guy" upon return.

"If he were to come back,” manager Dave Roberts said, “he would certainly be an impact guy.”

“I don’t think we’ll learn a whole lot over the next 10 days, I don’t,” he added later when asked about Yamamoto's recovery.

There was even a time when Roberts was thinking about organizing bullpen sessions for the starter pitcher, however now it doesn't seem like an apt idea. Roberts was also asked about his thoughts on the return of Yamamoto. He stated that the date can't be confirmed yet, however he stays hopeful.

"I don’t have a timeline on when he’s going to throw a pen. I watched him from afar yesterday, and the arm stroke was good,” Roberts stated.

Despite missing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roberts and the Dodgers remain locked in to first in the NL West at 58-41, 7.5 games clear of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres.