Shohei Ohtani Went the Extra Mile to Support Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and MLB Fans Loved It

An early Teammate of the Year candidate.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his first appearance at Los Angeles Dodgers' spring training on Wednesday after signing a 12-year contract worth $325 million in December.

Watching Yamamoto’s start from the dugout with a big smile on his face was fellow Japanese star and new Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani.

The Dodgers’ exhibition matchup against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday was a Cactus League road game. Ohtani wasn’t scheduled to play, but he traveled with the team to Surprise, Ariz., anyway to watch Yamamoto on the mound.

Get you a friend that supports you like Shohei supports Yoshinobu pic.twitter.com/inkQB3EFtR

— DΛVΣ (@DoyersDave) February 28, 2024

When Yamamoto recorded his first strikeout, whiffing Rangers infielder Marcus Semien on three straight pitches, the LA SportsNet broadcast cut to Ohtani to catch his proud reaction.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's first strikeout as a member of the @Dodgers! #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/K0yngUY1Jl

— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2024

Yamamoto allowed just one hit and no runs over two innings in his spring training debut, notching three strikeouts along the way.

Dodgers fans have plenty to look forward to as they cheer on the talented Japanese duo:

Shohei Ohtani tells Yoshinobu Yamamoto to get off the field, lol. pic.twitter.com/XS2epwjL8J

— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) February 28, 2024

Coach Shohei just watching pic.twitter.com/ypUpdL9CpO

— shobae 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 🐶 (@shoheisaveus) February 28, 2024

Shohei ☺️☺️☺️ pic.twitter.com/YWnYjR2h6u

— shobae 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 🐶 (@shoheisaveus) February 28, 2024

Shohei is watching today just to show support for Yamamoto pic.twitter.com/18GEVnddYk

— shobae 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 🐶 (@shoheisaveus) February 28, 2024

Shohei out here (under the tarp with hands folded) watching his boy Yamamoto warm up. pic.twitter.com/jEiewilSUq

— Michele C 🐝⚾️🐝 (@mcheno) February 28, 2024