Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers' Opening Day starter this season, has been hailed as the world's No. 1 pitcher by Shohei Ohtani. His former teammates from the Orix Buffaloes believe he will succeed in the United States, despite a recent loss to the Padres. Yamamoto was a three-time league MVP in Japan and left as the best pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball. Despite his struggles, Yamamoto's character and willingness to defy authority remain consistent. He has also been decisive on baseball matters, particularly on the pitch.