GLENDALE, Ariz. — A lot of eyes have been on new Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto this spring, and not just when he pitches.
The three-time MVP in Japan does not lift weights as nearly all MLB pitchers do. Javelins are only the most obvious of the tools Yamamoto carries with him to use in his unique daily workouts. There are also wooden blocks, a yoga mat and small, weighted soccer balls that he uses under the supervision of personal trainer Osamu Yada – known as Yada Sensei.
“That was something I started seven years ago as I got into the professional world,” Yamamoto said through his interpreter. “I needed to do something to develop my mechanics in general.”
Mookie Betts was one of those watching Yamamoto’s unique routine. He was intrigued, so much so that he has started working with Yada Sensei himself for the past week or so. Tyler Glasnow and Walker Buehler are among a handful of pitchers that have also spoken with Yada, who has been hired by the Dodgers as a consultant to the performance staff.
“I dipped my toe in,” Buehler said of trying some of Yada’s drills. “I’m not at Mookie’s level yet.”
Betts said his motivation for giving the workouts a try is simple.
“Greatness. I want to be great,” Betts said matter-of-factly. “It worked for Yamamoto. It’s not like I’m just trying it to try it. It took me two weeks of just watching, going and talking to some family, some friends, some people that mean a lot to me.
“If it’s good enough for him – it’s working for him. I’ve got nine years (left on his contract with the Dodgers). I’ve got to be the best Mookie I can be for nine years. Why wouldn’t I be open to something that I deem as something that will help me be the best I can be for the next nine years?”
One reason Betts thinks Yamamoto’s approach might work for him as well is their similar body types. Yamamoto is listed at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, Betts 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds.
“It’s very…
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