Dodgers Tap Yamamoto for Opening Day Start Again

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Monday that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start on opening day for the second straight season, as the team begins its pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title on March 26 against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.

Yamamoto, the Japanese right-hander who earned World Series MVP honors last fall after recording the final outs in the Dodgers' Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, returns as the ace of a rotation poised to anchor another championship run. In 2025, he led the National League with a 12-8 record and 2.49 ERA over 30 starts, finishing third in Cy Young Award voting. His postseason dominance included two complete games and a crucial relief appearance on zero days' rest in the decisive game, helping secure back-to-back championships for the franchise.

The 27-year-old's selection underscores his rapid rise since signing a 12-year, $325 million contract before the 2024 season, the largest ever for a pitcher. Roberts praised Yamamoto's preparation, noting his offseason conditioning and strong showings in the World Baseball Classic, where he allowed just two runs over 6 2/3 innings for Japan while striking out...