The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto experienced an unusual incident during the team’s recent road trip in Cincinnati when his home in Hollywood Hills was targeted in a burglary attempt. Three intruders jumped a back fence and broke a rear glass door at Yamamoto’s residence early Wednesday morning, but they fled the scene without entering, thanks largely to the loud barking of Yamamoto’s dog, which alerted staff members and helped prevent the crime.
The quick response by those at the home, along with the dog’s persistent barking, allowed private security and police to arrive promptly and take control of the situation. Law enforcement credited this combination for stopping the burglary before it could escalate further. The incident underscores how Yamamoto’s dog played a critical role in protecting the pitcher’s property.
“The dog’s loud barking and a staff member who turned on lights likely helped thwart a burglary attempt early Wednesday morning at the Dodger phenom’s Hollywood Hills home, law enforcement told NBC4 Investigates,” —Jonathan Lloyd and Dennis Broad, NBC Los Angeles
“Staff members were home at the time and turned on the lights. Coupled with aggressive barking from Yamamoto’s dog, the would-be thieves turned tail, law enforcement told NBC4 Investigates on Thursday. Someone at the home called a private security member, who then called police.”
Yamamoto’s Impressive MLB Season Gaining Momentum
In his sophomore Major League Baseball season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has established himself as a crucial part of the Dodgers’ starting rotation. Coming from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, the pitcher has performed consistently despite injuries to other key Dodgers starters. Yamamoto’s stats highlight his growing impact, with a 9-7 win-loss record, a 2.63 earned run average, and 133 strikeouts across 21 starts this season.
His steady presence has earned him his first All-Star appearance, and although not the leading candidate, he remains a serious contender in the National League Cy Young conversation as August begins. His strong outing against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday marked a return to form after a tougher game versus the Minnesota Twins. In that Reds matchup, Yamamoto struck out nine batters, allowing just a single run over seven innings.
Heightened Security Measures Expected Following Incident
As Yamamoto continues to impress on the mound, an attempted break-in at his home highlights ongoing security concerns faced by professional athletes, who frequently become targets of burglaries. While his dog was instrumental in deterring the intruders, the Dodgers star is likely to increase security protocols at his residence to prevent future threats.
With a crucial series against the Tampa Bay Rays looming, Yamamoto is expected to start Sunday’s game, potentially in a pivotal matchup that could influence the Dodgers’ playoff positioning. Off the field, the burglary attempt serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities athletes face and the everyday challenges they must navigate beyond competition.