Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Appears to Backtrack on Yoshinobu Yamamoto Pitching in Game 7

Sep 6, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) celebrates with Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about the availability of starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Game 7 of the World Series.

Yamamoto started Game 6 of the World Series, lasting six innings and recording six strikeouts while allowing the Toronto Blue Jays' sole run of the game. After the game, Roberts said everyone on the roster would be available to pitch except Yamamoto.

More news: Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto Spotted Warming Up Hours Before Game 7

The day of Game 7, however, Yamamoto warmed up on the field and Roberts didn't shut down the notion of him featuring.

“We’ll see how he is in catch play," Roberts said. "But he said if he feels good, he’s definitely interested. ...Character. Compete. All of the above. It’s past the physical. This is the mental part of it, where he’s as strong mentally a guy as I’ve seen.”

Dave Roberts said last night that Yoshinobu Yamamoto wouldn’t be available today, but … pic.twitter.com/uJvxqtmlLD

— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) November 1, 2025

Yamamoto has been the Dodgers' best pitcher throughout the postseason, posting a 1.56 ERA through his five starts for LA during the playoffs. He threw consecutive complete games in his two starts before Game 6, becoming the first player since 2001 to accomplish the feat in the postseason.

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The right-hander has never come out of the pen in an MLB game, however the Dodgers nearly used him in Game 3, which lasted 18 innings and resulted in a walk-off Dodgers win.

While Yamamoto may feature at some point during the game, Shohei Ohtani will get the start for the Dodgers as they seek to win the final game of the season yet again.

Ohtani has made three starts during his first postseason on the mound, and has a 3.50 ERA through three starts.

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The Dodgers look to keep their stellar record on the road this postseason in Game 7, and would become the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to defend their World Series title with a win on Saturday.

Game 7 of the World Series comes Saturday at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.