Watch: Dodgers rookie pitcher looks sharp in return from injured list

The Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation got some much-needed relief on Tuesday with the return of Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the injured list.

His last start came on June 15 where he only lasted two innings against the Kansas City Royals before exiting with an injury. At first, the team believed it was right triceps tightness . However, it was later discovered he had a strained right rotator cuff .

Yamamoto's first start in three months came against the Chicago Cubs, facing off against fellow  Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga.

The $325,000,000 million rookie looked like he hadn't missed a start.

Yamamoto mowed down the Cubs' first three batters, striking the side out on 15 pitches. He would go on to strike out the top of the order again in the third inning.

In his short four innings of work, he only gave up one run, struck out eight hitters and walked none.

According to Baseball Savant , his fastball averaged 97.9 MPH, and he generated six whiffs on 10 swings with his splitter. Yamamoto got 15 whiffs total throughout the night.

The Dodgers desperately needed Yamamoto back. The team has faced pitching problems all year, and a recent article by Jack Harris of the L.A. Times dove deeper into the issue.

The article reveals that the Dodgers have placed a pitcher on the IL 98 times since 2021, which is the most in the majors. The Dodgers are also in the top third in MLB when it comes to how many pitchers undergo Tommy John surgery.

The Dodgers are good at developing young pitchers, yet they can't seem to keep them healthy. Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan are all on the injured list rehabbing serious injuries.

The Dodgers seem to be taking precautions with Yamamoto, only letting him throw 59 pitches on Tuesday. The team will likely stretch him out over the last few weeks of the season and prepare for a deep playoff run.