The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team in MLB history to start three consecutive Japanese-born pitchers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers made history this week with a groundbreaking stretch on the mound, becoming the first team in Major League Baseball history to start three consecutive games with Japanese-born pitchers.
The historic sequence concluded Wednesday as Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound against the Cleveland Guardians, following starts earlier in the week by Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani.
While the Dodgers fell 4-1 in the series finale, Yamamoto delivered a steady outing, working six innings while allowing two runs on four hits. Though not as dominant as his season debut, the right-hander kept Los Angeles within reach by limiting damage and navigating key moments with composure.
This three-game stretch, dubbed by some as the “Samurai Sequence,” began with Sasaki’s highly anticipated debut. The young right-hander flashed the electric arsenal that made him one of the most sought-after international signings, striking out four batters across four innings.
Despite the Dodgers dropping that contest, Sasaki’s presence highlighted the depth and upside of the rotation.
Momentum carried into the second game, when Ohtani returned to the mound for his 2026 pitching debut. In a commanding performance, Ohtani threw six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six to earn the win and even the series.
The trio represents a new-look Dodgers rotation, one that contrasts sharply with last season’s heavy reliance on the bullpen. With three high-profile starters capable of overpowering hitters in different ways, Los Angeles now presents opposing teams with a diverse and formidable challenge over any series.
Beyond the numbers, the milestone holds added meaning for manager Dave Roberts, whose international background has helped foster a clubhouse environment that embraces global talent. The presence of three Japanese stars at the forefront of the rotation has also drawn increased international attention to the organization.
Even in defeat, Yamamoto’s outing capped a historic moment for the Dodgers — one that reflects not only their championship ambitions but also their evolving identity as a global powerhouse in the game.
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