Dodgers pitcher Yamamoto milestones

In early July 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yasuhiro (also reported as Yusuke) Yamamoto delivered a standout seven‑inning, scoreless start with ten strikeouts, setting a Major League record and earning his ninth career win while wearing a special uniform for the United States' 250th Independence Day anniversary. The performance secured his selection to the All‑Star roster for a second consecutive year.

Later in the month, Yamamoto threw six innings with five strikeouts in a 4‑3 win over the New York Mets, extending the Dodgers' streak to four games. The victory marked his 11th of the season and brought his career total to 100 combined wins across Nippon Professional Baseball (70) and MLB (30). He celebrated the milestone and reiterated his long‑term goal of reaching 200 career wins.

On July 25‑26, Yamamoto again faced the Mets at Citi Field and recorded his 100th combined win, logging a quality start—six innings, 100 pitches (65 strikes), one run on five hits, five strikeouts and three walks—lowering his ERA to 2.72. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Yamamoto as a “great fighter,” and the clubhouse celebrated the achievement. The game also featured Shohei Ohtani finishing hitless for the Dodgers.

The same night, other Japanese players in MLB reached milestones: Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki hit his 100th career MLB home run and his 18th of the season, while White Sox first baseman Sōtatsu Murakami launched his 21st career homer, moving toward a rookie home‑run record for Japanese players.