Shohei Ohtani’s dream of seeing fellow Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto go up against San Diego’s Yu Darvish will come true in Game 5 of the National League Division Series. Darvish is set to start for the Padres in what is a decisive match at Dodger Stadium, where a previous game was interrupted due to fans throwing objects onto the field.
Ohtani expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m really excited that he’s going to perhaps be facing Yoshinobu and being able to see Darvish potentially,” through an interpreter. This matchup marks a historic first, as it will be the initial meeting of Japanese-born starting pitchers in Major League Baseball postseason history.
The anticipation had been building throughout the series, as Yamamoto was initially expected to pitch in Game 2 against Darvish, but the Dodgers opted to move him to Game 1 instead. In his previous appearance, Darvish managed to restrict the Dodgers to just one run and three hits over seven innings, showcasing his diverse pitching arsenal.
Both pitchers share a personal connection; Darvish is known to be a close friend of Yamamoto and was also Ohtani’s childhood idol. “Just for us to be able to go out there and pitch on the same day, a playoff game, I think it means a lot,” Darvish remarked.
At 38 years old, Darvish has experience on the mound at Dodger Stadium, having previously pitched in an elimination game during the 2017 World Series. Reflecting on that experience, he said, “I don’t go focus on that time… but maybe it is the experience that I have accumulated up until today that’s making me feel calm right now.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Yamamoto would be part of the starting plans for the game on Friday. Yamamoto has faced challenges against the Padres this season, giving up a total of 13 earned runs in three starts. He struggled in Game 1 against San Diego, allowing three runs and facing issues with pitch command.
Despite his challenges, Roberts expressed confidence in Yamamoto’s potential, highlighting the need for better command over his pitches. “When he hasn’t commanded the baseball, he hasn’t been really that good,” Roberts commented.
Yamamoto, 26, who holds the title of the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history with a recent 12-year contract worth $325 million, aims to turn his performance around. In Game 1, he allowed five runs, raising concerns that he might have tipped his pitches, although Roberts feels Yamamoto has worked to improve since then.
The Dodgers are coming off a solid victory in Game 4, where they utilized eight relievers to secure an 8-0 win, setting the stage for an intense finale against their rivals. Roberts indicated that he will have six to seven relievers available for Game 5, with Jack Flaherty also potentially in the mix.
On the Padres’ side, manager Mike Shildt remains untroubled by the Dodgers’ strategy. He conveyed confidence in his team’s approach, comparing it to the straightforward competitiveness of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi.
In roster updates, injured shortstop Miguel Rojas will not start but is available to pinch hit, while Tommy Edman will take the shortstop position. The Dodgers are expected to have All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman back in the lineup after he missed Game 4 due to a sprained ankle. “He’s feeling much better today with treatment,” Roberts confirmed.