Dodgers News: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Speaks on Challenges He Will Face in First Season

MLB's baseballs are slightly bigger and slicker.

Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has some adjustments to make ahead of the 2024 season.

The 5-foot-10 righthander understands there are some challenges that he faces before he is completely comfortable.

In an interview with SportsNet LA, the 25-year-old spoke about the challenges of daily life.

"The biggest difference as like a daily life environment will be completely different from Japan, and that might be the biggest challenge for me."

Yoshinobu Yamamoto via SportsNet LA

“I am looking forward to facing players on a different level, a higher level.” Yoshinobu Yamamoto discusses what he’s looking forward to most in the MLB and what challenges he feels he’ll face this season. pic.twitter.com/USJP6r8ft9

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 17, 2024

Another challenge for him is adjusting to the baseballs. The balls used in MLB are slightly bigger and slicker than NPB baseballs. 

“I can somewhat feel the difference. But the rosin is also different than it is in Japan and works well with the balls here.”

Yoshinobu Yamamoto via L.A. Times

Los Angeles Times columnist Dylan Hernandez said that Yamamoto was experiencing some trouble with his splitter on Sunday, but it was only his second bullpen session. 

The Dodgers anticipate Yamamoto making his first career start in South Korea, so there is plenty of time for him to work out any kinks with his pitches.

He's also adjusting to a more demanding schedule. In Japan, he pitched once a week. For the Dodgers, he will pitch every five or six days. The season is also long here. 

As long as there is an open line of communication between him and the coaching staff, his transition should be smooth.

"The biggest key for. me to play in the big leagues is the communication with the coaching staff and digging into the data. If issues come up, I will adjust as I need."

Yoshinobu Yamamoto via SportsNet LA