Dodgers Manager Roberts on Yamamoto: 'Perhaps we set expectations too high'

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted the team may have set the bar too high for 24-year-old Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. "Perhaps we gave him too many expectations at too early a stage," Roberts said.

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Perhaps we gave him too many expectations at too early a stage.

Yamamoto has been finding his rhythm this season, limiting opponents to under three runs in his last four starts. However, he is set to face a formidable lineup from the Philadelphia Phillies. Roberts expressed his hope that Yamamoto would "not shy away from the challenge, but bravely face it." He sees the upcoming start as a "good test" against a team with many talented hitters.

Roberts agreed that Yamamoto, despite his immense talent, is still a young pitcher with limited professional innings. The manager acknowledged that the team's expectations upon signing him might have been premature. Nevertheless, Roberts believes Yamamoto himself would likely disagree with any suggestion of being overburdened, stating, "I think he wouldn't agree with this view, and as an athlete, that's actually a good thing."

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I hope he does not shy away from the challenge, but bravely face it. I think this will be a good test.

Yamamoto's season statistics show 45.2 innings pitched over nine starts, with 43 strikeouts, 18 walks, and 4 hit batters. He has allowed 47 hits, including 9 home runs, resulting in 25 earned runs for a 4.93 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. His FIP is 5.19, with an ERA+ of 81.

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I think he wouldn't agree with this view, and as an athlete, that's actually a good thing.