Yamamoto has, then, performed at the level the Dodgers imagined he could -- and would -- when they guaranteed him $325 million before he had thrown a single MLB pitch. (Yamamoto has the second-best odds, +310, at FanDuel .) Just what is he doing differently this year versus last? Below, CBS Sports has identified a few key changes.

In a heartwarming scene of mutual respect and admiration, a D-backs player sought some signed souvenirs from a stellar pitcher.

Which made it all the more important not to waste Yamamoto’s yeoman’s work. The Dodgers very nearly did. They scored just one run when he was on the mound, blowing that lead in the ninth inning and falling behind in extras when $72 million closer Tanner Scott surrendered just the third multi-homer game of his career.