The beginning of the 2024 season has been tumultuous for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and if there’s anyone within the team who might secretly feel relieved by the overshadowing scandal, it’s pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. His MLB debut was disastrous, and since then, he has struggled significantly despite signing a hefty 12-year, $325 million contract to join the Dodgers from Japan.

Eduardo Perez, an ESPN analyst and former 13-year MLB veteran, witnessed Yamamoto’s rocky first start firsthand. Lasting only one inning, he conceded five runs on four hits and a walk, contributing to a 15-11 loss to the Padres. With just 43 pitches thrown, he managed only two swing-and-miss strikes. Perez left the game with numerous doubts about Yamamoto’s capabilities and expressed being “shocked” by his performance and its implications for the Dodgers.

Reflecting on Yamamoto’s debut, Perez highlighted a lack of confidence from the outset. He observed that after Xander Bogaerts hit a hard base hit on the first pitch, Yamamoto appeared tentative with his fastball and struggled to command his curveball and splitter. The only pitch he seemed to have some control over was the cutter, but even then, he failed to deliver with conviction.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Struggling With Nerves?

Perez did provide a bit of reassurance for Dodgers fans by noting that Yamamoto’s rough start occurred in front of legendary Japanese pitchers like Daisuke Matsuzaka and Koji Uehara. Clearly, nerves played a significant role in Yamamoto’s performance. However, this acknowledgment doesn’t necessarily ease concerns for Dodgers supporters. The realization that their newly acquired high-value pitcher struggles with nerves isn’t promising news for a team with playoff challenges.

One major issue for Yamamoto is the alteration of his pitching windup, which has been simplified into a more straightforward step-and-throw motion. While the Dodgers implemented this change to mitigate stolen bases, it seems to have diminished Yamamoto’s ability to deceive hitters as he approaches the plate.

Additionally, there have been discussions about Yamamoto potentially tipping his pitches. He’s been experimenting with adjusting his glove placement to prevent opponents from stealing signs. However, attempting to incorporate various small adjustments from different sources could be counterproductive for Yamamoto at this stage.

Perez speculated, “I’m wondering if he’s not comfortable with (pitching) right now. He is listening to many people telling him that he is tipping or not. I think he has got to get to who he has been the whole time, and throwing pitches with conviction.”

Dodgers Have Reason to Worry

The overall assessment of Yamamoto appears rather bleak. His disappointing debut follows a difficult spring training where he posted a 0-1 record with an 8.38 ERA. While it’s typical for players to adjust to the demands of Major League Baseball, Yamamoto’s need for constant adjustments suggests a deeper issue.

These adjustments seem to indicate a player whose confidence has already taken a hit. According to Perez, this was unexpected and concerning. “The Dodgers have made a significant 12-year commitment to this player, and that’s something that must be considered,” Perez noted. “I hope they realize that adjustments will be part of his ongoing career. However, I’m surprised by the early struggles. Even before his debut pitch, adjustments were being made.”

Perez emphasized the uncertainty surrounding whether Yamamoto’s signing will ultimately prove successful. He stressed the importance of regrouping and focusing on fundamentals amidst the current challenges.