The injured starting pitcher for the Dodgers has made significant progress in their recovery.

Exciting developments were reported from Detroit on Friday afternoon prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers' 4-3 victory over the Tigers. Manager Dave Roberts informed the press that starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has initiated a throwing program, engaging in two sessions of catch from a distance of 60 feet this week.

This marks a significant positive update on the Japanese rookie, who had been sidelined since mid-June due to a strained rotator cuff. Having been prohibited from throwing entirely, any advancement in his recovery is a welcome sign for a Dodgers starting rotation that has been plagued by injuries.

“Yoshinobu Yamamoto has started a throwing progression, Dave Roberts said. Played catch twice this week out to 60 feet. Roberts said Brusdar Graterol is progressing and could be back by the end of July”

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The Dodgers are heading into the All-Star Break with three newcomers and a vacancy in their rotation, leaning on left-hander James Paxton as their lone veteran starter.

“It’s one of those things – it’s where we’re at,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters last week. “It’s an opportunity for those guys. If you had told us in spring training that we would be where we’re at with the depth of our starting pitching, I would have doubted it. But we are.

“I just look at it as these guys are getting a good opportunity in a playoff race, in a pennant race. I try not to fret too much or worry too much about the guys who can’t help us right now – hoping that they’ll be back soon.”

Paxton, who began his outing on Friday in Detroit, is expected to be part of the Dodgers' pitching rotation this weekend when they play at home against the Boston Red Sox. Nevertheless, the Dodgers have not yet revealed which pitchers will start any of the three games.