Clayton Kershaw gives firsthand account of Yoshinobu Yamamoto's standout pitching habits

Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto's unique training has impressed the recently retired Clayton Kershaw. The retired MLB legend believes Yamamoto's dominance is related to an exceptional mental and physical approach, which many of his colleagues could learn from.

Kershaw, a former NL MVP and three-time Cy Young winner, is one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. The 37-year-old discussed Yamamoto's habits during his appearance on "Literally with Rob Lowe" on Thursday.

"I think we might need to look into just the Japanese style a little bit," Clayton Kershaw said (Timestamp from 3:53). "I mean, I think they, because when you watch Yama in the weight room, he doesn't really pick up a weight. He doesn't really, but he's working so hard, like his body strength, his in-range, doing all sorts of crazy body movements and flexibility. So it starts there."

Clayton Kershaw also compared Yamamoto's physical ability to that of a gymnast, pointing out that this is the reason why he is both strong and flexible at the same time. He then shifted attention to the beauty and precision behind the 27-year-old's pitching mechanics.

"So I think it starts with that, and then the way he throws. Like, I'm not an artist. I don't love art. I don't know anything about art. I don't know anything. But watching him throw a baseball is beautiful. It's just pretty. It's just the way he does it is so effortless, and it's so good, and it's the same every time."

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Clayton Kershaw speaks on Yoshinobu Yamamoto's mentality

Yoshinobu Yamamato started two games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series, earning wins in both. Moreover, he closed the game for the Dodgers in Game 7, pitching 2.2 innings with zero days' rest.

All three wins of Yamamato came on the road, becoming the first pitcher to do so. He also became the first pitcher since Hall of Famer Randy Johnson in 2001 to earn three wins.

Yamamato earned praise from fans and players alike for his mentality in the World Series, particularly for pitching in Game 7. Dodgers legend Kershaw spoke about it during his conversation with Rob Lowe.

"I mean, he's got huge balls," Clayton Kershaw said (Timestamp from 4:55). "I mean, just what, he just wanted to go out there and pitch like he's been pitching on a week's rest his whole life."

"And then for him to say, 'Hey, yeah, I'll pitch in game three when it was 18 innings,' and ended up starting warming up, or, 'Hey, I'll pitch game six. I'll pitch game seven on no days rest,’ ended up throwing almost three innings. That's unheard of, man.," he added.

Kershaw closed by expressing his pride in his former teammate's success. The 37-year-old called the Japanese ace's performance unbelievable, adding that Yamamoto fully deserves the credit he gets.