Yoshinobu Yamamoto temporarily withdrew from spring training due to fatigue, preparing to depart for Japan for the Classic.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto did not end up playing in his last Chicago White Sox spring training game before joining Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was initially in the starting lineup for today's Cactus League spring training game against the two-time defending champion Dodgers at Camelback Ranch, batting third between Kyle Teel and Lenyn Sosa. However, more than two hours before first pitch, the team scratched him as a precaution due to overall fatigue.

Given that Yamamoto has already played in four spring training games, with 13 plate appearances being the most on the team, this fatigue is completely understandable. Manager Will Venable had already planned to manage players participating in the Classic carefully during the first week of spring games. With Yamamoto facing a long flight tomorrow, giving him a day off was a wise decision.

“I had built up some fatigue; I had been adjusting at a very fast pace,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yagi Kensuke. “Looking at the schedule and considering the long flight tomorrow, I thought taking a day off today to prepare for the trip ahead was a very good idea.”

“I’ve been training every day for the past two weeks, and the schedule has been quite packed. I didn’t feel much daily pressure individually, but overall, honestly, some fatigue had accumulated. Today made me realize that.”

Yoshinobu Yamamoto arrived in Glendale to join the White Sox as early as February 8th. During Arizona spring training games, he went 5-for-13 with two doubles, two RBI, and five strikeouts. He played all his games at first base, where he is expected to focus defensively in his rookie season, though he also put in significant pre-game work at third base.

For Yamamoto, off-field integration has been equally important. He joined the White Sox on a two-year, $34 million contract, becoming the fourth Japanese player in franchise history. Beyond his diligent training, he has quickly bonded with new teammates, showing a sense of humor. The White Sox players have also made efforts to make him feel at home.

“He’s really great,” shortstop Colson Montgomery said. “I enjoy chatting with him about all sorts of random things, completely unrelated to baseball—that’s most of our conversations. Since the first day I met him, his English has improved noticeably. The fact that we can communicate well even without an interpreter says a lot. He’s willing to work on his English for the team and to connect with us. He also teaches us some Japanese words. He’s a good guy, a fantastic addition.”

Helping Yamamoto integrate benefits the team as well. “Like with anything, you probably perform your best when you’re comfortable with everyone,” Montgomery said. “Just be yourself, and we want him to be himself. He’s genuinely a fun person.”

“All my teammates have proactively communicated with me, making me feel very comfortable during spring training,” Yamamoto said. “I’m fortunate to have so many supportive teammates.”

Team Japan will aim to defend its Classic title, and Yamamoto is personally determined to succeed. In a recent interview with MLB.com, he stated this tournament “means everything to me.”

Before temporarily leaving spring camp, he had completed crucial preparation work. “Hitting, fielding, throwing—everything is ready,” Yamamoto said. “All the fundamental training needed for the Classic is done.”

“His ability to fit into this young team, his personality is really excellent,” Venable said. “It’s particularly noteworthy that we’ve asked him to do some things differently in training and preparation than he’s used to. For someone so dedicated and serious about his preparation to also be this adaptable is truly impressive.”

Venable offered special words to Yamamoto before his departure: “Good luck, I’m really looking forward to watching you play,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be rooting for you and hope you succeed. Even if he faces Team USA, we’ll support him. Well, maybe not Team Japan. I’m excited to see him show what he can do; I’ll be tuning in for sure.”