Yoshinobu Yamamoto wasn’t supposed to pitch in Game 7 of the World Series.
Manager Dave Roberts said after Yamamoto’s six-inning in performance one night prior that all pitchers except Yamamoto would be available for the thrilling Fall Classic conclusion. However, after he was spotted warming up ahead of Game 7, it seemed like the ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers would once again make himself available.
After pitching the final 2.2 innings of Game 7 in what will go down as one of the most heroic efforts in World Series history, Yamamoto revealed that longtime personal trainer Osamu Yada “tricked” him into making himself available.