MLB insider Chris Rose is not happy with how quietly fans have reacted to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s electric start in his debut MLB season. The Japanese superstar has been dealing on the mound, but according to Rose, fans are acting like it’s no big deal.
During the latest podcast episode of ‘Baseball Today’, Rose pointed out that Yamamoto isn’t just any pitcher. He is the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history and is living up to every cent.
“Number one, he’s freaking awesome. And number two, he’s the highest-paid pitcher in the game. So we should be following him more closely than we do,” Rose said.
And the stats back him up.
In seven starts, Yamamoto has a 0.90 ERA, 49 strikeouts in 47 innings, and a sub-0.93 WHIP. He looks poised, nasty, and completely locked in, making a strong early case for the NL Cy Young Award.
Despite all that, the fan buzz around him has been surprisingly low, and Rose thinks he knows why.
“I think people do have Dodgers fatigue. It’s almost like a ‘F them’ mindset. They’re playing a different sport”, the MLB insider added.
Yamamoto Is Carrying Dodgers While Rest Of The Rotation Struggles
The Dodgers have clearly benefited when Yamamoto takes the mound, boasting a 6-1 record in games he starts.
In contrast, their record without him pitching has been far more mixed, with the rest of the rotation battling both injuries and performance dips.
Rose argued that Yamamoto’s recent outings deserve the same fanfare that surrounds a dramatic home run or record-breaking feat.
“His performances deserve celebration just like any big homer or walk-off,” Rose added.
In a year where the Dodgers are again World Series contenders, Yamamoto isn’t just holding up his end, he is leading the charge. And if Rose’s words strike a chord, perhaps it’s time for Dodgers fans to start showing their ace the same love they reserve for their big bats.
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