Yoshinobu Yamamoto did not start Game 1 of the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers, but he stole part of the spotlight with an unusual preparation that was captured by the Spectrum SportsNet broadcast. The Japanese right-hander was seen doing unconventional stretching alongside a wall on the concourse at American Family Field.
In a scene that seemed more like something out of an acrobatic show, Yamamoto leaned backwards, placed his hands on the wall and climbed up with his feet, ending up standing as if nothing had happened. According to reports, the Japanese avoids the traditional gym and prefers a regime of mobility and bodyweight exercises.
Yamamoto seeks redemption against Milwaukee after worst start of the year
This Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Yamamoto will have the responsibility of starting Game 2 of the NLCS, right in the stadium where he had his worst outing of the season. Last July 7, he was able to get just two outs against the Brewers, allowing five runs in less than an inning.
Despite that setback, the Japanese closed the regular season strongly: he went 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA in his last 12 outings. He also finished with a 12-8 record, 201 strikeouts and a 0.99 WHIP, numbers that ranked him among the best pitchers in the National League.
“I think I’d like to focus on the fundamentals of pitching, such as location and those things,” Yamamoto said prior to his start.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto changes his look, but not his goal of dominating the Brewers
As if his unique training style wasn’t enough, Yamamoto also surprised with a new look. The Japanese dyed his hair black, leaving behind the blonde look he sported in the Divisional Series. “That wasn’t the reason,” he said of his change of image, although he added with a smile: “But I hope this helps to get things going in my direction.”
His postseason performance has been solid: 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA in six playoff starts. This year he started and won the decisive Wild Card Series game against the Cincinnati Reds and hopes to regain that form.
With his unconventional methods and methodical approach to mobility, Yoshinobu Yamamoto returns to the center of the diamond in search of revenge. The challenge is great, to stop a Brewers team with power at the plate, who will seek to tie the series before traveling to California and do so right where he was once punished.
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