Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his spring training debut for the team against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, and he looked as advertised in the outing.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers this offseason. It was a hefty price to pay for a pitcher who has not played in MLB yet, but the perception around the league is that he will hit the ground running and prove to be one of the better starters right away. The early signs and eye test from Yamamoto's first spring outing with the Dodgers show the upside he has.

In his spring debut, Yamamoto pitched two innings, giving up one hit and striking out three. He threw 19 pitches, and 16 of them were strikes. Dodgers fans were in awe of the stuff he displayed in the game against the Rangers.

Let's get to the best reactions to Yamamoto's Dodgers spring training debut on social media.

https://twitter.com/BarnHasSpoken2/status/1762940763313152422

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Dodgers News
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) swings and misses during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani matches Cal Raleigh with 23rd home run blastYasmin Edañol ·
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) singles in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani shares 6-word message after passing of baseball legendYasmin Edañol ·
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) leaves the game against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field.
Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow gets unfortunate update amid IL stintRichard Pereira ·
Jun 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) warms up before a game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Dave Roberts drops encouraging Mookie Betts update before Mets gameMike Gianakos ·
Oakland Athletics pitcher Will Klein (64) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Dodgers swing pitcher trade amid flurry of movesRussell Steinberg ·
Dodgers news: Blake Snell teases major step in injury return
Dodgers’ Blake Snell teases major step in injury returnChris Spiering ·

 

The Dodgers had an offseason that many fans could only have dreamed off. The headliner was signing Shohei Ohtani. Yamamoto choosing the Dodgers over teams like the New York Yankees and New York Mets was the second biggest. Then you take into account the additions of players like Tyler Glasnow and Teoscar Hernandez, the expectation will be for the Dodgers to contend for a World Series.

When looking at Los Angeles' rotation, there are still some question marks when it comes to experience and injuries. Yamamoto's inexperience is part of that, but he certainly looked the part in his first spring outing.