Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto made MLB history vs. the Texas Rangers on Friday. One of the most decorated pitchers to make the jump from Japan to Major League Baseball, Yamamoto has more than lived up to the hype during his short time in LA. Despite facing some injury setbacks, the 26-year-old had a stellar rookie season that saw him play a key role in the Dodgers' World Series run.

Now, the Bizen, Okayama native is off to a historic start in 2025. OptaSTATS broke down how unprecedented Yamamoto's first five games have been this season.

 

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Dodgers News
May 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mookie Betts gets unfortunate update before Yankees showdownMike Gianakos ·
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) his an RBI single against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers rumors: Ken Rosenthal shoots down trade speculation around star rookieJoey Mistretta ·
dodgers, max muncy
Dodgers’ 3 most disappointing players in 2025Garrett Kerman ·
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edgardo Henriquez (60) throws during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers pitchers make big moves toward injury returnsZachary Howell ·
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Diaz (43) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Dodgers trading for Reds’ former All-Star closerScotty White ·
May 26, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Chris Taylor (33) makes a running catch off a ball hit by New York Yankees third baseman Oswald Peraza (18) in the eighth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Ex-Dodger Chris Taylor doubles down on Yankees World Series trash talkZachary Draves ·

Yamamoto's start for the season has been essential for the Dodgers. The pitching staff as a whole has had uneven performances to this point, so having that kind of reliability at the top is a big reason why this team is 15-6 right now. Los Angeles, however, looks like it will be in a battle for the NL West crown most of this season. The division has gotten off to the best start in the MLB by far this season. Four teams are at least four games above .500. The San Diego Padres are currently at the top at 15-5. Ultimately, this race could go a long way towards preparing the Dodgers for the playoffs, as the team will have to stay sharp for most of this season.

The pitching staff is additionally set to receive some upgrades eventually. The headline addition will be when two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani eventually takes the mound. The reigning NL MVP is coming off Tommy John surgery and is being extra cautious before pitching again. Ohtani still has been as effective as ever from the plate as he looks to collect a fourth MVP trophy in his career.

Overall, Yoshinobu Yamamoto looks primed to contend for the NL Cy Young in 2025. To be this good in just his sophomore season is already very encouraging for the Dodgers. The franchise is not just satisfied with one World Series title with this core. Los Angeles assembled this roster to build MLB's next great dynasty. And Yamamoto will play a huge role in that ambition going forward.