2024 has really been a momentous year for Japan in MLB. From Shohei Ohtani’s historic year to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s huge deal, Japanese players have unlocked a new level of fame. However, now something even more historic is set to take place. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will face off against Padres’ Yu Darvish in NLDS Game 5. The first time two Japanese pitchers are clashing in postseason history. That’s certainly a monumental moment and Darvish has explained why.

Before Ohtani and Yamamoto, it was Darvish who enjoyed a considerable level of respect and fame in the US. An inspiration for many, Darvish’s pitching and competitive edge inspired multiple Japanese kids. In a way, the Padres star is one of the reasons why Japan is currently bubbling with talent. That fact isn’t hidden from the ace who thinks his clash with Yamamoto is evidence of Japan’s rise.

“It gives me a lot of joy obviously,” Darvish said about Japan’s rising footprint in Major Leagues. “I think the level of baseball in Japan has risen, and it’s actually showing over here. So it’s really good to see all these players that come over here be successful.” A total of 11 Japanese players had started MLB’s 2024 season. That’s above 8 in 2023 and shows the gradual growth in their numbers. However, more than the quantity, it’s the quality that matters here.

Shohei Ohtani’s 54-59 season permanently immortalized him. But then Shota Imanaga’s 15-3 record in his rookie season too was highly impressive. Even though Yoshinobu Yamamoto had an injury-affected season, his 3.00 ERA during the regular season showed that the star was quickly adjusting to MLB. However, surprisingly, luck hasn’t been kind to Yamamoto when it comes to the Padres.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto looks to regain control after a disastrous playoff debut

The San Diego Padres haven’t been kind to the 26-year-old. Ironically, Yamamoto’s regular season debut and postseason debut happened against the Friars who absolutely battered him. In Seoul, Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a 45 ERA and lasted only 1 inning. Similarly in NLDS Game 1, the Japanese Star had 15 ERA and lasted just 3 innings. Interestingly, it was suspected that Yamamoto was tipping his pitches against the Padres in Game 1.

As a result, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts assured the fans that the team would work on this mistake. Now during the pre-game interview with MLB.com, Roberts has claimed that Yamamoto has “cleaned stuff up” and is no longer tipping his pitches. The real challenge, however, is for Yamamoto to regain his control. As Roberts noted, Yamamoto tends to become completely ineffective when he lacks conviction over his pitches. 

“When he hasn’t commanded the baseball, he hasn’t been really that good,” Dave Roberts noted. Though the skipper then mentioned that when Yamamoto is “convicted” he’s as good as anyone. In a way what Doc meant is that Yamamoto’s the kind of player that depends on confidence. Unfortunately against Padres, that confidence seems to erode him.  On the contrary, Yu Darvish dominated the Dodgers in NLDS Game 2. So will Yamamoto find a way to beat the inspirational Yu Darvish and Padres? That’s the main story of this historic All-Japanese battle.