Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto arrived in Boston ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, where they practiced alongside fellow Japanese player Masataka Yoshida. This meeting brought together three players with shared history and international experience, highlighting the significance of the Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dodgers Practice.

Masataka Yoshida, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Red Sox after being posted from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2023, had missed much of the first half of the season due to injury. He made his return to the lineup on July 9th, rejoining the team in time for this high-profile series.

Yamamoto honors Yoshida with a commanding nickname

In a social media post from Friday, Yamamoto shared a photo of himself, Ohtani, and Yoshida at Fenway Park just before their series opener. Along with the image, he included the Japanese term “Masanao,” which translates as “Supreme Commander,” a tribute to Yoshida’s leadership during practice sessions. Yoshida appeared to take charge on the field, guiding plays while engaging in friendly interactions with his teammates.

Adding some humor, Yamamoto attached rat emojis to his post, a nod to a nickname given to Yoshida by his manager, Alex Cora. The Red Sox manager used “baseball rat” to praise Yoshida’s tireless work ethic and baseball intelligence.

“He’s a baseball rat, he is,” Alex Cora said. “He knows the game. He knows the players. It’s good baseball conversations with him, which I love. He knows a lot. He knows the pitchers. As far as homework, he understands what he needs to do to prepare for this.” —Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

Yoshida and Yamamoto previously played together for the Orix Buffaloes from 2017 through 2022 before both transitioned to Major League Baseball. After Yoshida’s posting, Yamamoto joined the Dodgers the following season, where he reunites with Ohtani. All three also represented Team Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, strengthening their bond on and off the field.

Yamamoto admires Dodgers veteran Clayton Kershaw

While praising Yoshida as the key figure during their practice, Yamamoto expressed deep respect for veteran Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times earlier this week, the 26-year-old acknowledged Kershaw as an ideal role model within the Dodgers’ rotation.

“In him, you have a player on the team whom you can model yourself after,” Yamamoto said. “I also learn a lot watching him pitch. He’s someone you can admire in every aspect. All of my teammates think of him like that too. That’s the kind of player I would like to be.” —Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers Pitcher

Kershaw and Yamamoto have been pivotal in anchoring the Dodgers’ pitching staff during the absence of other starters. Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani have returned from injuries, and Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki are currently rehabbing as they aim to rejoin the rotation soon.

The significance of this cultural and competitive reunion

The collaboration of Yamamoto, Ohtani, and Yoshida at Fenway Park demonstrates the growing impact of Japanese players in Major League Baseball, particularly within the Dodgers and Red Sox organizations. Their shared past in Japan’s NPB and international tournaments like the World Baseball Classic adds a unique dynamic to this series, as they bring passion and camaraderie to the competitive environment.

The Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dodgers Practice highlights not only the talent these players contribute but also the leadership and cultural connection that enrich the MLB experience. As the Dodgers and Red Sox continue their series at Fenway, fans can expect more moments of excellence and teamwork from this accomplished trio.