Granted, the rebuilding Nationals (10-14) hardly possess a juggernaut lineup. The night before his scoreless performance, a very different kind of rookie, mid-tier prospect Landon Knack, limited the hosts to just two runs over six frames.

Still, Yamamoto’s process looked much improved Thursday, with his pinpoint command providing a possible blueprint for future big-league success.

“When he throws it where he should throw it,” Roberts said, “it certainly plays as an elite fastball.”

And, more than that, it makes Yamamoto look more like the elite starter he was expected to be after signing his record-breaking contract this winter.

Buehler’s next step TBD

Walker Buehler won’t have to pitch on the “moon” anymore — Roberts’ nickname for the Triple-A ballpark in Albuquerque where the former All-Star starter made his fifth rehab outing with the Dodgers’ Oklahoma City affiliate Wednesday.

Exactly when Buehler will finally return to the Dodgers’ orbit, however, remains unclear, according to the manager.

Although the high altitude in Albuquerque affected Buehler’s stuff Wednesday night, when he gave up seven hits and five runs (three earned), the right-hander did pitch into the fifth inning while throwing a season-high 86 pitches.

“It was like what you sort of expect to be at altitude,” Roberts said. “But he got into the fifth inning … and [got his] pitch count up, which was great.”

Roberts said the Dodgers would “circle back” with Buehler on Thursday to decide whether he needs one more rehab start or is ready to return to the majors for the first time since his Tommy John surgery in 2022.

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