Yoshinobu Yamamoto Makes Surprising Move at Dodgers-Rockies Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated May 28, 2026 3:12 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers ran a promotion on Wednesday night during their series finale against the Colorado Rockies that honored starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto for his heroics in last season's World Series. The team gave away bobbleheads commemorating the final out in Game 7 of the Fall Classic, which crowned Los Angeles as World Series champions for the second year in a row.

Yamamoto pitched 2 2/3 innings in relief in that game, allowing just one hit and no runs against the Toronto Blue Jays, which included getting the last out to clinch the title for Los Angeles.

He was incredible in the World Series, tossing 17 2/3 innings across three games, while allowing only two runs with 15 strikeouts.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18)Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Before Wednesday's game, in which Yamamoto was not pitching, the Dodgers had 14-year-old cancer survivor, Kai, throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Yamamoto surprised him by catching the pitch, as well as signing the baseball and a jersey for the young fan.

"For his bobblehead night, Yoshinobu surprised 14-year-old cancer survivor Kai with tonight's ceremonial first pitch. ," the Dodgers wrote on social media.

For his bobblehead night, Yoshinobu surprised 14-year-old cancer survivor Kai with tonight's ceremonial first pitch. pic.twitter.com/smtOrZ1EPr
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 28, 2026

After his incredible performances in the 2025 playoffs, Yamamoto has continued his phenomenal pitching to begin the 2026 season. Through 10 starts, he has pitched to a 3.09 ERA, striking out 59 batters and walking 13 in 64 innings.

The Dodgers honored Yamamoto with a victory on Wednesday to close out a three-game sweep over the Rockies thanks to a fantastic night from Shohei Ohtani, who hit a home run and threw six no-hit innings on the mound.

While the game itself was great for fans of Los Angeles, there's no doubt it was a day that Kai will never forget.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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