World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start Dodgers' opener

World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be the Opening Day starter when the Los Angeles Dodgers kick off the season against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26.

It will be the second straight Opening Day start for the right-handed Yamamoto, who was sensational in the 2025 postseason while helping Los Angeles win the World Series.

"It is a pretty easy decision, considering that it's an honor to be the Opening Day starter," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Monday. "He started for us last year on the road. But for him to get that start on Opening Day at home, I think it's going to be special."

The Dodgers will be gunning to become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win three straight World Series crowns.

Yamamoto, 27, won three games in the 2025 World Series when Los Angeles beat the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling seven-game series.

He pitched a complete game 4-hitter as the Dodgers won Game 2, then tossed six innings in Game 6 as Los Angeles tied the series at three games apiece. On no rest, Yamamoto entered Game 7 in relief and pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings for another victory in the 11-inning finale.

Overall, Yamamoto went 5-1 with a 1.45 ERA in six appearances (five starts) in the 2025 postseason.

In the regular season, Yamamoto went 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA in 30 starts and finished third in National League Cy Young voting. He also was tabbed to the NL All-Star team.

Yamamoto enters the third season of a 12-year, $325 million contract. He is 19-10 with a 2.66 ERA in 48 starts in two seasons with the Dodgers and a stellar 7-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 10 postseason appearances (nine starts).

--Field Level Media