September 16, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) pitches during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto has proven himself to be a viable member of the postseason rotation just two games into his comeback, and he hopes to make his first MLB start in October. its integrated.
Yamamoto (6-2, 2.63 ERA) will face Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatra (0-0) on Sunday afternoon in the final game of a three-game series in Los Angeles , 6.00).
This outing was more than just an adjustment, however. The Dodgers' lead over the San Diego Padres was cut to three games after Los Angeles lost 6-3 to the Rockies on Saturday. The Dodgers (92-63) and Padres (89-66) will play three games in Los Angeles starting Tuesday.
“My focus right now is definitely winning (Sunday) and winning the series, that's what we need to do,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We'll have a chance at (the Padres).”
Yamamoto, who returned from a three-month absence with a rotator cuff injury, allowed seven hits and one unearned run in eight innings in two brief starts. He was particularly impressive against the Chicago Cubs on September 10, striking out eight of his 12 outs.
Yamamoto threw 72 pitches against the Atlanta Braves on Monday, walking in two and striking out three as the Dodgers won 9-0. He could be ready for six innings and 90 pitches on Sunday.
“So the last few games have been two-sided, good and bad,” Yamamoto said through a translator. “But I still have time to improve. I think I will have two more appearances, so I will use these to prepare. “
“Not surprised … given where we are on the calendar and how important these starts are to him,” Roberts said.
Yamamoto got his most recent win in his lone outing against the Rockies on June 1, when he allowed one run on seven hits in six innings.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stole his 53rd base on Saturday but failed to reach base for the second time in seven games.
The Rockies will have their own pitching staff returning from injury, with Senzatra set to make his second start since Tommy John surgery. In his return on Monday, he allowed two runs on four hits in three innings (67 pitches) against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rockies won 3-2.
“I like his stuff; the fastball is solid,” Rockies manager Bud Black said of Senzatela, who gave up a home run to Kurt Marte. “He's going to make two more starts, have a normal offseason and come into spring training in a good frame of mind both physically and mentally.”
Senzatela is 4-5 with a 5.98 ERA in 15 career games (13 starts) against the Dodgers.
The Rockies (60-95) converted a go-ahead homer off Ryan McMahon in the fifth inning to win Saturday, their first in nine games against Los Angeles this season. The third game. McMahon, a native of nearby Orange County, hit 20 homers for his fifth straight full season, not including the shortened 2020 season.
Charlie Blackmon hit a home run in every game of the series and has 11 homers this season.
The Dodgers loaded the bases in the ninth with Max Muncy's winning run, but Rockies rookie right-hander Seth Halvorsen escaped with a strikeout. First career save. Colorado's four relievers held Los Angeles scoreless over the final 4 1/3 innings.
–Scene-level media