PHOENIX -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto has seen a lot of the D-backs in his three years in the Majors, and he's typically handled the Dodgers' NL West opponents well. But the ace's previous start against Arizona was an exception to the rule.
The last time Yamamoto faced the D-backs, he was tagged for an MLB career-high-tying six earned runs in six innings in his final start before the All-Star break. Yamamoto has opened the second half by bouncing back from that poor outing, and he'll look to keep his momentum when he takes on the D-backs on Saturday night at Chase Field (5:10 PT/SNLA and MLB.TV).
Even counting that previous start, Yamamoto has a 2.92 ERA in eight career starts against Arizona.
Yamamoto has a 2.35 ERA in three starts since the tough outing against Arizona. That includes his first regular-season complete game against the Yankees, a quality start against the Mets and eight innings of three-run ball against the Red Sox last Saturday.
While Yamamoto's overall body of work has been strong (11-7, 2.76 ERA), he's been hit harder than usual by the long ball this season. He's already surrendered 15 homers in 133 2/3 innings, one more than he gave up in 173 2/3 innings last year.
Yamamoto is one winning decision away from tying his single-season career high in wins, set last season.