Yoshinobu Yamamoto to take the ball on opening day vs. Diamondbacks

MESA, Ariz.–– Last fall, Yoshinobu Yamamoto collected the final outs of the Dodgers’ World Series title defense.Now, as the team embarks on a historic three-peat bid in 2026, the Japanese right-hander will be the first to return to the bump as the opening-day starter on March 26.Manager Dave Roberts announced on Monday that Yamamoto will get the nod in the Dodgers’ regular-season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks later this month.

It marks the second consecutive season that Yamamoto receives the opening day honor, after pitching in the team’s Tokyo opener last March.It also further cements his status as the ace of the team’s pitching staff, coming off a 2025 season in which he was a Cy Young Award finalist and World Series MVP.Last year, Yamamoto was the Dodgers’ most effective pitcher during the regular season, leading the team in starts (30), wins (12–8 record), and ERA (2.49) while finishing third in Cy Young voting.

He was also their most clutch performer on either side of the ball in the playoffs, posting a 5–1 record and 1.45 ERA in a tour-de-force October that included two complete games and his World Series Game 7 heroics out of the bullpen on zero days’ rest.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story That heavy workload hasn’t had any ill effects on Yamamoto’s ramp-up for the start of this season.He bulked up his body over the offseason.He came into camp ahead of schedule in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

And in two starts with Team Japan, he pitched well, allowing just two runs over 6 ⅔ innings while striking out seven batters.“Part of being a gamer, being a great competitor in big moments, is the preparation,” Roberts said earlier this week of Yamamoto, praising the unique training program that has h...