Dave Roberts said on September 15, 2026, that Yoshinobu Yamamoto recovered from two opening walks by attacking the zone and completed seven innings in the Los Angeles Dodgers' win.
Roberts noted that Yamamoto became more effective after the first two hitters by restoring command of his cutter and split-finger, producing weak contact and swings and misses. “the split was back in zone, getting the swing and miss, early contact, soft contact,” Roberts said. He also stated that Yamamoto had struck out 10 against the opponent in the 2026 season, while praising his ability to reset during an inning and make key pitches. “he's able to reset, you know, on the fly,” Roberts explained.
Roberts cited situations involving a popup, a double play and a strikeout as examples of Yamamoto escaping trouble when he was not fully in sync. “make pitches when he needs to to get a double play, a strike out, a popup,” he added. Roberts, who managed the Los Angeles Dodgers, praised Yamamoto for providing seven innings, saying it was “was great to give us seven innings.”
Roberts praised Hunter Fiduca's poise, mound visits and overall feel, saying, “he's seasoned. Um he's got a good heartbeat.” Fiduca worked with Yamamoto and Tanner Scott, while Mark made a mound visit to Scott in the ninth inning. Roberts also said Freddy looked more like himself and felt good enough to play on September 16, 2026, and described Teoscar Hernandez's production over approximately the prior 10 days as valuable. “It's been very helpful,” Roberts stated, referring to Hernandez's improved at-bats against pitchers, defense and plate discipline.
Roberts planned to rest Max and Depalo and keep Alex Freeland out of the lineup on September 16, 2026, with Yamamoto's performance allowing roster flexibility. Freddy joked, “If I get three hits, then can I be in there tomorrow?” The Dodgers' stated plan was to give Max and Depalo a day off while Freeland remained out of the lineup.