Dodgers On Top: Kuroda Keeps It Fresh, Yamamoto Lights Up the Game for Victory!

Their return quickly became the biggest storyline in camp as the defending champions continue preparations for a season with legitimate three-peat aspirations. Yamamoto named Opening Day starter Japan starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) reacts against Venezuela in the fourth inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Japan starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) reacts against Venezuela in the fourth inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park.

Dave Roberts officially announced Monday that Yamamoto will start Opening Day for the Dodgers, a move that comes as little surprise following his dominant 2025 campaign and postseason run that earned him World Series MVP honors. Yamamoto is coming off two appearances for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. His most recent outing came in Japan’s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela, where the right-hander worked four innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out five on 69 pitches.

The outing helped continue his ramp-up toward the regular season, where the Dodgers will again rely heavily on the ace who anchored their championship run last October. Shohei Ohtani is back at Camelback Ranch and will be in the lineup in the next few days. @SportingTrib | #Dodgers pic.

twitter. com/DBOAhvzXI4 — Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) March 16, 2026 Ohtani returns after big WBC showing Ohtani also rejoined Dodgers camp Monday after serving strictly as a hitter for Japan during the tournament. The two-way superstar did not pitch in the event, instead throwing a simulated game as he continues building back toward a full pitching workload.