Following a challenging first year, the Dodgers are optimistic that Yamamoto will emerge as a key starter for the team. They have $325 million invested in him and are anxiously awaiting a return on their investment. Yamamoto wrapped up the regular season with a 7-2 record, posting a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 90 innings across 18 starts.
Roberts said to reporters on Thursday that Yamamoto will be a part of Game 5, but he hasn't confirmed how much. 'I haven't finalized it,' Roberts said. 'Obviously I'm sure Yoshinobu will be a part of it. How we will deploy the relievers around it, if that's the case, I just don't know.'
That pattern followed him around all season. He would have a bad start followed by a solid one. Take the last two games of the regular season for him, he faced the Colorado Rockies in both. On Sept. 22 he gave up four earned runs runs on five hits, walked three and struck out four in just three innings of work.
The obvious choice would be the bullpen after eight relievers combined for a shutout and the not-so-popular choice is Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Here is why Roberts should start him with a tight leash.
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