Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto spoke at a team press conference on June 28, 2026, reflecting on his start against the San Diego Padres and addressing home runs allowed, split-finger mechanics, and his preparation routine.
Yamamoto said he believes Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill — both batters who had generally been favorable matchups for him in the past — were likely sitting on an inside fastball when they connected. "I think they were probably targeting an inside fastball," he noted, adding that he had wanted to locate the pitch further toward the third-base foul line but was unable to execute that intent. He also acknowledged that the curveball he threw to Merrill that resulted in a hit to center or right field was simply too hittable.
On his split-finger, Yamamoto stated that the pitch showed slight improvement compared to the previous week, with several good pitches mixed in, though it has not yet reached the level he is seeking. He explained that minor details — release point, arm path, and pivot-foot loading — each affect whether the pitch generates swings and misses, and he plans to continue refining the feel through practice and in-game adjustments.
Yamamoto described his mental approach between starts as consistent regardless of results. "Win or lose, it's the same — what I need to do doesn't change," he said. "Every week I reset after that week, and no matter how well things went, I switch gears and rebuild my preparation for the next start."
When asked about Japan's national soccer team and an upcoming match against Brazil, Yamamoto mentioned that his English teacher and personal chef — both former soccer players — have been filling him in on the sport, and he expressed hope that Japan wins. On his physical condition heading into the second half of the 2026 season, Yamamoto added that he feels stable and is performing as he normally does, noting that compared to his first year in MLB he has grown considerably more accustomed to the routine.