Yamamoto's Difficult Start
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Struggles in Start; Dodgers Drop Series to Arizona Before All-Star Break
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The Los Angeles Dodgers closed the first half of the season with a 9-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, dropping the series to their division rivals. Despite the defeat, the Dodgers finished with the best record in Major League Baseball heading into the All-Star break, according to Idaho Statesman.
Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggled on the mound, giving up six runs over six innings. The rough outing was a rare blemish for a Dodgers team that has otherwise dominated the first half of 2025.
Yamamoto Gives Up Six Runs in Series Finale
Yamamoto was sharp for much of the first half but could not hold Arizona on Sunday. He allowed six earned runs in six innings as the Diamondbacks rolled to a commanding 9-2 win. The loss gave Arizona the series victory and handed the Dodgers a tough ending to the pre-break stretch, according to Herald Sun.
Despite Yamamoto's rough day, the Dodgers' lead at the top of the National League standings held firm. The team still boasts the best record in baseball, a strong position heading into the second half of the season, per Tri-City Herald.
Yamamoto Skips All-Star Game for Ohtani's Knee Procedure
Yamamoto will not travel to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game. The Dodgers are holding him back because of an upcoming commitment tied to Shohei Ohtani's left knee, according to The State. Ohtani's knee situation is being closely managed as Los Angeles protects its star slugger for the second half.
With Yamamoto out, the Dodgers will have just one pitcher in the Midsummer Classic. Justin Wrobleski, added to the National League roster on Saturday, will be the lone Los Angeles arm representing the team in Philadelphia, per Ledger-Enquirer.
Edwin Díaz Begins Rehab Assignment in Single-A
There was good news for the Dodgers beyond the standings. Closer Edwin Díaz started a rehab assignment with the Single-A Ontario affiliate. Díaz has been sidelined due to injury, and his return to live game action is an encouraging sign for a bullpen that has leaned heavily on other relievers, according to Kentucky.com.
A healthy Díaz could be a major boost for Los Angeles in the second half. He is one of the best closers in baseball when at full strength. The Dodgers will monitor his progress in Ontario before deciding when to bring him back to the big league roster, per Bellingham Herald.
Dodgers Enter Break as Baseball's Best Team
Despite the series loss to Arizona, the Dodgers head into the All-Star break on top. They hold the best record in Major League Baseball, according to The Olympian. The first half featured strong starting pitching, elite offense led by Ohtani, and a bullpen that held things together even without Díaz.
The second half schedule will test whether Los Angeles can maintain its grip on the NL. With Yamamoto expected to stay healthy and Díaz potentially returning, the Dodgers enter the break in an enviable position, per Macon.com.
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