Yoshinobu Yamamoto injury update: Dodgers pitcher recovering well from shoulder issue, gearing up for rehab starts before returning to the majors

The injury-riddled Los Angeles Dodgers recently received some good news. Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is closing in on his big league return after being sidelined due to injury for over a month.

Yamamoto has been recovering from a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder since being placed on the IL on June 15. On Tuesday, he threw a 30-pitch bullpen session, increasing his pitch count by ten after throwing 20 pitches in his previous session on Saturday.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto opened up to the press about his recovery and his rehab plan, saying:

"I'm going to throw some live BPs and, after that, probably a couple of minor league games; we are still talking about the specific plans. I think my shoulder is feeling pretty good. I'm not concerned about the injury itself."

Yamamoto is scheduled to throw another bullpen session this week. If his recovery continues smoothly, he might join the Los Angeles Dodgers by late August or early September.

However, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is not the only concern for the Dodgers’ rotation. Right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler is still working his way back from a hip injury while on the injured list.

Another setback occurred on Tuesday when righty Brusdar Graterol suffered a right hamstring strain and was placed on the injured list with no immediate return expected.

Dave Roberts expresses optimism about Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s recovery

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has performed well for the Los Angeles Dodgers this 2024 season, going 6-2 with a 2.92 ERA. He has struck out 84 batters in 74 innings and allowed only 17 walks.

Discussing Yamamoto’s recovery, Dave Roberts said (via Dodger Blue):

“I am comfortable. I guess I’m hopeful that he’ll be back… He’s going to travel with us on the road to Milwaukee. He threw a ‘pen today, he’ll throw another ‘pen, and then he’ll throw a live session in Milwaukee at some point. So that’ll be a big step when he’s facing some hitters. And then hopefully if that goes well, you just keep building up from there.”

Roberts shared that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will face live batters on their upcoming road trip to Milwaukee. In December 2023, Yamamoto inked a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers.