Dodgers' Dave Roberts Says Yoshinobu Yamamoto Could Pitch in World Series Game 7

""We'll see how he is in catch play," Roberts said. "But he said if he feels good, he's definitely interested." Roberts was asked what it means from Yamamoto to be open to pitch one day after throwing 96 pitches. "Character. Compete. All of the above," Roberts said. "It's past the physical. This is the mental part of it, where he's as strong mentally a guy as I've seen.""

"Roberts is talking about a guy who has thrown 492 pitches through the month of October. Someone who tossed back-to-back complete games in the postseason, the latter of which was instrumental in securing Game 2 of the World Series. Yamamoto not only threw nine innings during Game 2, but two days later, was seen warming up in the bullpen in case his team ran out of relief pitchers."

"For Yamamoto to even consider entering the 18-inning contest after a complete game two days prior speaks to what Roberts was talking about, the mental side of his game. The mindset of being the ace of the defending champions is just as important as the on-field product, something Yamamoto has also excelled at this postseason. The aforementioned 492 pitches took place over five appearances. Yamamoto went 4-1 this postseason with a 1.56 ERA, striking out 32 and walking just five batters through those 34.2 innings."

Yoshinobu Yamamoto warmed up at Rogers Centre ahead of Game 7 and could be an option to pitch if he feels good. He threw 96 pitches the previous day and has logged 492 pitches in October across five appearances. He tossed back-to-back complete postseason games, including a nine-inning performance in Game 2, and warmed in the bullpen during the 18-inning Game 3. His postseason line is 4-1 with a 1.56 ERA, 32 strikeouts and five walks over 34.2 innings, reflecting significant effectiveness and durability.

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