The article highlights the Los Angeles Dodgers' impressive roster, featuring three outstanding Japanese players: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. While Ohtani and Sasaki dominate headlines, Yamamoto's evolved gameplay stands out. In his Opening Day start, he showed significant improvement from his rookie season, achieving high velocity and strong mechanics. Manager Dave Roberts noted Yamamoto's increased confidence and suggests he could contend for the Cy Young Award, contingent on maintaining his health after a previous shoulder injury. Yamamoto might ultimately prove to be the most standout pitcher of the trio.
"I think that last year to this year, the confidence, the conviction that he has in throwing the fastball in the strike zone is much, much more convicted."
"If he can do that, obviously (with) health, I see no reason why he won't be in the Cy Young conversation this season."
"Yamamoto showed poised. He showed 98 mph velocity. He showed improved pitching mechanics."
"While he may not have the physical frame of Ohtani or Sasaki, Yamamoto could be the standout pitcher of the trio in 2025."
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