Yamamoto Rested
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts rests Yoshinobu Yamamoto, skipping All-Star Game for health
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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will not take the mound in this year's MLB All-Star Game, despite earning his second straight All-Star selection. According to Star-Telegram, Roberts made the call to protect Yamamoto's health heading into the second half of the season.
The Dodgers sit atop the National League with a 61-34 record as they prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks. Skipping the All-Star Game is a cautious move — but for a Dodgers team built to win in October, keeping Yamamoto healthy matters far more than one exhibition appearance.
Roberts Puts Yamamoto's Health Above All-Star Spotlight
Roberts was direct about his reasoning. Preserving Yamamoto for the stretch run is the top priority. The All-Star Game, held during the midseason break, carries no playoff weight. Roberts chose the long game over the showcase.
This is the second straight year Yamamoto has been named an All-Star. Missing the game does not erase that honor. But it does mean fans will not see him pitch on the All-Star stage — a disappointment for those hoping to watch one of baseball's best young arms on the big midsummer night.
Yamamoto's Strong 2025 Season Earned Him the Nod
Yamamoto has been one of the best starters in baseball this season. His performance was strong enough to earn All-Star recognition for the second year in a row. That kind of consistency is rare, especially for a pitcher still in the early years of his MLB career.
The 26-year-old right-hander signed a record 12-year, $325 million deal with Los Angeles before the 2024 season. After missing time last year due to injury, a healthy and effective Yamamoto in 2025 is exactly what the Dodgers paid for. Roberts is clearly not willing to risk that.
Dodgers Dominate the NL While Managing Their Roster Carefully
Los Angeles leads the National League with a 61-34 record. That is one of the best marks in all of baseball. The Dodgers are built to go deep into October, and Roberts is managing every piece of that roster with the postseason in mind.
Sitting Yamamoto during the All-Star break fits that strategy. Skipping one game — even a high-profile one — gives his arm extra rest. For a team with World Series expectations, that trade-off is easy to make.
Dodgers Shift Focus to Diamondbacks Before the Break
Before the All-Star break, the Dodgers have business to handle. Their upcoming game against the Arizona Diamondbacks is the immediate focus. Arizona has been a tough NL West rival, and the Dodgers will need contributions from across their rotation.
With Yamamoto unavailable for the All-Star Game, the spotlight shifts to how he performs in the second half. If Roberts' cautious approach pays off, Yamamoto could be the key arm that carries Los Angeles into a deep playoff run come October.
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