MLB Shockwaves: Japanese Phenomenon Yoshinobu Yamamoto Poised to Sign Record-Breaking Deal—Find Out Which Team Leads the Race

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Could Make World Series History as Dodgers Mull Game 7 Gamble on Japanese Ace Los Angeles — After dazzling the Toronto Blue Jays with seven innings of one-run ball on just two days’ rest in Game 6, $325 million right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto has told manager Dave Roberts he is “ready for any role” in tonight’s decisive Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, multiple club sources confirmed late Saturday. Dominant Game 6 fuels bold bullpen plan Yamamoto threw 96 pitches in Friday’s elimination win, striking out nine and retiring the final 11 batters he faced. The performance trimmed his postseason ERA to 1.84 and extended a remarkable streak dating back to Japan’s NPB: he has not allowed more than two runs in any playoff start since 2022. Why the Dodgers are even considering the risk • Rotation depletion: Clayton Kershaw’s October shoulder flare-up and Bobby Miller’s pitch-count limit leave Los Angeles thin behind scheduled starter Walker Buehler. • Unique stamina: Yamamoto averaged 117 pitches per start with the Orix Buffaloes and has logged back-to-back outings on two days’ rest before, including the 2023 Japan Series clincher. • Split-finger weapon: Toronto is 5-for-34 with 13 strikeouts against Yamamoto’s splitter this series, a matchup advantage Roberts wants available in high-leverage spots. Historic parallels—and key differences Only three pitchers in MLB history have thrown in consecutive World Series games on shorter than three days’ rest and recorded a win. None have done so after exceeding 90 pitches the night before. Yamamoto’s pitch efficiency (67% strikes) and elite recovery routine—cryotherapy followed by proprietary mobility work first adopted in Osaka—have convinced the training staff he could offer an inning, perhaps two, without significant injury risk. Blue Jays’ counter moves Toronto manager John Schneider hinted he would adjust his right-heavy lineup if Yamamoto emerges from the bullpen. Expect switch-hitter Davis Schneider to bat from the left side and rookie Spencer Horwitz to be available for pinch-hit duty. What it means for MLB’s global evolution If Yamamoto appears, he will be the first Japanese starter to pitch in relief during a winner-take-all World Series game, underscoring the league’s growing reliance on international aces. A dominant cameo could cement his status as the face of Japan–U.S. baseball integration, joining Shohei Ohtani atop marketing lists across both countries. Key numbers driving fan buzz • 1.84 – Yamamoto’s 2025 postseason ERA (29⅓ IP) • 32 – Consecutive scoreless innings vs. AL opponents since September 7 • 40.2% – Whiff rate on his splitter, highest of any pitch thrown this series • 29 – Estimated total hours of rest between Game 6 final pitch and Game 7 first pitch What to watch tonight 1. Dugout camera angles: If Yamamoto heads to the bullpen before the fifth inning, expect Roberts to deploy him as a fireman rather than a traditional closer. 2. Velocity readings: Anything above 95 mph early signals the shoulder is live and the splitter will be lethal. 3. Pitch count cap: Dodgers insiders believe the hard ceiling is 35 pitches. Bottom line Whether Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws the first pitch of the night or slams the door in the ninth, his willingness to take the ball on microscopic rest could swing a classic Fall Classic. Dodgers fans are already chanting “Ya-ma-MO-to!” along Vin Scully Avenue; by midnight, they may be celebrating the most daring two-day turnaround the World Series has ever seen.