Dodgers' Yamamoto Faces Possible Injured List Stint After Triceps Issue

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's potential move to the injured list looms large after he departed Saturday night's start against the Kansas City Royals after just two innings due to triceps tightness, as reported by manager Dave Roberts following the Dodgers' 7-2 loss.

"It's highly likely," Roberts acknowledged. "Our next step is consulting with doctors to determine if further testing is necessary. Right now, we're relying on his feedback."

Yamamoto had his Thursday start against the Texas Rangers delayed for extra rest due to the same triceps issue. Speaking through his interpreter, the Japanese pitcher noted that the tightness had largely subsided earlier on Saturday, though he felt it return during his bullpen warm-up before the game.

"We believed he could start," Roberts explained. "We wouldn't have let him pitch if we thought it would risk his health."

Initially, Yamamoto didn't perceive the injury as severe until he began pitching. He struggled with command, throwing only 14 strikes out of 28 pitches, allowing one hit, one walk, and recording one strikeout.

"I felt some tightness during the bullpen session, but it wasn't significant then. It escalated as I pitched," Yamamoto said. "I informed the coaches, and we made the decision to pull me."

Yamamoto's previous outing saw him pitch seven strong innings against the New York Yankees on June 7, throwing 106 pitches. He had surpassed the 100-pitch mark in four consecutive starts leading up to Saturday night.

"I don't think the tightness is directly related to my last start; it's more about the recovery afterward," he clarified.

In his debut MLB season, Yamamoto signed a historic 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers in December. He has posted a 6-2 record with a 2.92 ERA thus far.

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