“Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Breaks Silence on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Shoulder Injury: ‘He’s Had One… But It’s Behind Us’”

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has finally addressed the swirling concerns over star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s shoulder injury history, putting to rest fears that the rotator cuff strain he suffered last season continues to threaten his dominant performance in 2025. Roberts’ candid remarks have sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts alike, igniting debates about the risks of pushing elite pitchers and the Dodgers’ championship hopes.

The Injury That Almost Derailed a Season

Yamamoto’s rotator cuff strain last June sidelined him for months, casting a shadow over the Dodgers’ rotation. Despite the setback, the Japanese ace made a strong return late last year, posting a 3.86 ERA in October and showing signs of regaining his form. Roberts confirmed, “He’s had one… but I think that’s past us,” emphasizing that the team’s medical and training staff feel confident in Yamamoto’s current health and readiness to be pushed on the mound14.

A Remarkable Comeback and Dominance on the Mound

Through his first five starts of the 2025 season, Yamamoto has been nearly untouchable, boasting a microscopic 0.93 ERA with 38 strikeouts and just seven walks. His last two outings featured over 100 pitches each, including seven scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in his most recent start1. Roberts expressed trust in letting Yamamoto “go,” signaling a shift from cautious management to full confidence in the pitcher’s durability.

Velocity Drop Sparks Concern — But Roberts Remains Unfazed

Yamamoto’s velocity dipped slightly in his latest outing, raising eyebrows among observers. However, Roberts downplayed the issue, attributing it to normal fluctuations and reaffirming that the pitcher’s body is in a “good place.” The Dodgers manager stressed the importance of balancing workload with health, noting that if Yamamoto needs to miss starts to stay fresh, they will take that route4.

Fan Reactions: Hope, Anxiety, and Heated Debate

The Dodgers faithful are torn between optimism and caution. Many celebrate Yamamoto’s brilliance and potential to become the first Japanese-born Cy Young winner, a goal the pitcher openly aspires to1. Others worry that pushing him too hard could risk a career-threatening injury, recalling the fate of other young aces who burned out early. Social media has exploded with passionate discussions about how the Dodgers should manage their prized asset.

What This Means for the Dodgers’ Championship Quest

Yamamoto’s health is pivotal to Los Angeles’ hopes of repeating as World Series champions. With other starters sidelined—like Tony Gonsolin out for the year and Tyler Glasnow on the injured list—the pressure mounts on Yamamoto to carry the rotation. Roberts’ confidence sends a strong message that the Dodgers are all-in on their ace, but the stakes have never been higher.