Dodgers Legend Kershaw Praises Ace Yamamoto Ahead of Season Opener

Kershaw calls Yamamoto's ability "like a piece of art" as Dodgers aim for third straight title.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:54pm

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In a heartwarming moment before the Los Angeles Dodgers' season opener, future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw lavished praise on his former teammate and current Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Kershaw described Yamamoto's fluid pitching motion and ability to adapt as "like a piece of art," and said he was excited to watch the young star take the mound.

Why it matters

Yamamoto emerged as a hero for the Dodgers in their 2025 World Series triumph, and now leads a talented rotation as the team aims to become the first to win three straight championships since the late 1990s Yankees. Kershaw's glowing endorsement of Yamamoto underscores the young pitcher's rising star status and the Dodgers' championship aspirations.

The details

Yamamoto, 25, threw six innings while allowing two earned runs on five hits in the Dodgers' 8-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day. Kershaw, who retired after the 2025 season, spent 18 years with the Dodgers, going 223-96 with a 2.53 ERA and 3,452 strikeouts. He helped the team win three World Series titles in six years and was a fixture in the rotation for over a decade.

  • The Dodgers started their quest for a third straight title on March 27, 2026.
  • Kershaw retired after the 2025 season.

The players

Clayton Kershaw

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who spent 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning three World Series titles.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The current ace of the Dodgers' pitching rotation, who emerged as a hero in the team's 2025 World Series triumph.

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What they’re saying

“Kershaw complimented Yamamoto, describing how fluid he is, and said his ability to adapt was like a piece of art. Additionally, he said he was excited to watch him.”

— Clayton Kershaw

What’s next

The Dodgers are set to receive their 2025 championship rings on Friday when they continue their series with the Diamondbacks.

The takeaway

Kershaw's glowing endorsement of Yamamoto underscores the young pitcher's rising star status and the Dodgers' championship aspirations as they aim to become the first team to win three straight World Series titles since the late 1990s Yankees.