The Los Angeles Dodgers have been facing a tough time at MLB. Most of their top players are on the injured list and missing MLB action. Among the potential prospects, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s return has been postponed. Since June 15, 2024, the MLB star has been out of action because of a shoulder injury. However, as things are, the team might have to play for at least a month without Yamamoto. 

Additionally, Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris captured more insights on Yamamoto’s injury. According to reports, the Blue Crew management has decided to sideline the Japanese star and move him to a 60-day injured list. Earlier, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was taken to a 15-day IL after his first two innings against the Royals on June 15 due to a strained rotator tear in his right shoulder. 

Eventually, with the 60-day IL, the Dodgers ace pitcher will not be available until August 15. Also, he was recently spotted playing catches a few days before. But, as things are, it will be tough for him to return to the mound until mid- or end-August 2024. However, Yamamoto had a dream run at the Dodgers before he succumbed to the injury. He started 14 games for his team and had an astonishing ERA of 2.92, a 1.07 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts. 

Also, amid all the talks of Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s injury, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared a positive update. On his catching practice, Roberts said, “Yamamoto’s thrown twice this past week. He’s played catch out to 60 feet twice, and he’s supposed to play catch [Saturday]. There’s been no soreness, no pain. So he’s in a good spot.”

However, Yamamoto might have to play in minor leagues before his first MLB start after the recovery. Perhaps, while manager Dave Roberts supports Yamamoto at one end, social media fans seem to take a hard stance on the Dodgers pitcher. 

Fans pour their furious reactions to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s injury

There’s no denying that the Dodgers have not been on top of their game since the last few weeks. Also, with the injuries of Mookie Betts, Tyler Glasnow, and Yamamoto, a furious fan wrote, “Dodgers are cooked.” A prime example of this would be the recent games against the Orioles. In the ninth inning, Roberts didn’t have plenty of pitching options. Eventually, he had to send Yohan Ramirez with a heavy task to try a six-out save. Though he managed to restrain the Tigers in the eighth inning, Ramirez gave up two runs in the ninth. 

While, another fan compared Yamamoto with Cub’s Shota Imanaga by saying, “And the Cubs have Shota. Much better signing.” While Yamamoto’s strength has always been power and longevity, Shota has a different approach.

He specializes in strikeouts and depends on his movement along with speed. Also, while the Dodgers signed Yamamoto for a massive $325 million deal for 12 years, Shota Imanaga signed a four-year contract at just $53 million, far less than the LAD’s ace pitcher. 

Meanwhile, with injured Yamamoto followed by other players, a Phillies fan wrote, “Phillies 2024 World Series champs.” Indeed, the fan’s statement might become true, seeing the Philadelphia Phillies’ recent performance stats. The team dominates the National League East 2024 table with an impressive 62-34 record. Also, their winning percentage of .646 is the highest in the entire National League. Most importantly, without their prime prospect, Bryce Harper, the team has still put on a dominant run.

If that’s not all, mocking the Dodgers and Yamamoto, a fan replied, “300+mil money worth spent.” Undoubtedly, the Blue Crew spent massive amounts of money to acquire Yoshinobu Yamamoto. On December 27, 2023, the club signed him for 12 years at a hefty fee of $325 million. However, despite having a few good 2024 starts, his departure from an elbow injury has potentially hampered Dodgers pitching. 

Lastly, seeing major injuries in Dodgers camp and the World Series around the corner, a fan wrote, “Dave Roberts definitely gonna lose this job!” As a manager, Roberts might have been in such a situation. But, with no options left for pitching, he might have to look for other prospects.

Eventually, though the Dodgers are leading the NL League West, pitching issues are still persistent. As per reports from the Athletic, the Dodgers are willing to buy lefty Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. Currently, the Dodgers need rotational players, and with Crochet having a powerful arm, he could be the game-changer the Dodgers need in the post-season.