Pitching has been the main driver of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success this season, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto had been a key contributor to one of MLB’s best rotations before he was placed on the injured list with right rotator cuff strain more than two weeks ago.

It took Yamamoto a little bit of time to acclimate himself in the MLB environment, but he had settled in and was enjoying a successful first season with the Dodgers. While the Dodgers have not ruled out his return this season, it is a significant injury that is being treated as such.

Back in June, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Yamamoto was recovering well, but had not yet started his throwing program.

The Dodgers are keeping close tabs on Yamamoto and he is being evaluated every day by team staff, which provided some good news for the team.

“I think right now he’s pain-free, so that’s a good thing,” Roberts said. “Granted, he’s not throwing a baseball. Our hope is that he starts playing catch soon. The No. 1 thing is that he’s pain-free, which is where I think he’s at right now,”

Roberts added that Yamamoto’s ability to start a throwing program is dependent on how he is feeling. However, it is still unknown when that throwing program will begin.

“I don’t know,” Roberts said. “I just talked to him briefly in the training room, he’s getting worked on. He’s doing a lot of shoulder exercises and non-throwing stuff. I don’t know when that time he’s going to pick up a baseball is.”

The Dodgers had high hopes for Bobby Miller’s sophomore season, but he has continued to struggle to meet those expectations since returning from the injured list. Without Miller contributing as a solid No. 3 starter behind Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone, Yamamoto’s absence does put more pressure on the rotation.

Still, the Dodgers remain steadfast and are placing a higher priority on Yamamoto’s availability down the stretch.

What will be next step for Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

When the Dodgers are confident enough to clear Yamamoto to begin baseball activities once more, it will involve a pretty standard rehab process. From there, the first big hurdle that will need to overcome is a bullpen session after he builds up his arm a bit in a throwing program.

“It’ll be playing catch and then stretching it out. Once we get to the bullpen, then it starts to become more real,” Roberts said.

Until then, Yamamoto’s 2.92 ERA, 2.66 FIP, 1.07 WHIP and 10.2 strikeouts per nine in 74 innings will be a challenge to replace.

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