Dodgers legend left-handed pitcher Kershaw praises Yamamoto's pitching as "artistically exquisite" in his broadcasting debut.

Just like the past 18 seasons, Clayton Kershaw was with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Opening Day. However, this time, his appearance and role were different.

The retired Kershaw shed his No. 22 jersey and suited up. He joined NBC's broadcast team, marking MLB's return to NBC since 2000 as part of two nationally televised Opening Day games. Kershaw participated in the pregame show with Bob Costas and shared insights from the sidelines that night, witnessing the Dodgers defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2.

Kershaw gave high praise to Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The pitcher, who recently won the World Series MVP, excelled in this victory, pitching six innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out six. Kershaw described his former teammate's style as "art."

"He is simply a machine; his routine preparation and his way of handling things are impeccable," Kershaw said. "The ball coming out of his hand is as exquisite as an artwork. It's truly incredible. When I let my kids observe pitching, Yamamoto is definitely one of the top recommendations."

Then, the 11-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner and MVP voiced what everyone was thinking.

"I'm really looking forward to watching today's game. It feels strange," he told play-by-play commentator Jason Benetti, "but being here is fantastic."

Earlier that day, Kershaw also attended the ceremony where the Dodgers raised the 2025 World Series championship flag, marking their second consecutive title. The left-handed pitcher analyzed why he believes Los Angeles can aim for a third consecutive championship.

"All these players are superstar-level, but they have only one goal: to win the World Series every year," Kershaw said. "They go out every day to win that particular game, and then everything else naturally follows. This attitude influences everyone from the core players to the 25th and 26th players."

It will indeed take some time to accept that Kershaw no longer stands on the pitcher's mound, dominating batters as he did for nearly two decades. However, we might start getting accustomed to hearing his expert commentary from the broadcast booth.