Clayton Kershaw praises Dodgers' Yamamoto after Game 5 win over Padres: 'You're a stud' | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

It's safe to say that Clayton Kershaw is impressed with rookie pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The injured star pitcher watched in awe as Yamamoto pitched a scoreless start that helped the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive Game 5 win over the San Diego Padres and advance to the NLCS.

After the win, Kershaw noted that Yamamoto was a “guy” and that it was important to make sure he remembered that.

“Every now and then,” Kershaw said, according to Andy McCullough of The Athletic. “You just have to remind him: You’re a stud. You may be a newbie. But you’re a stud.”

Although Yamamoto is technically in his rookie season, his experience and skills far exceed that of a typical rookie. The 26-year-old played seven seasons in the NPB in Japan, compiling a 72-29 record with a career ERA of 2.11.

He signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season and had a solid debut season, going 7-2, a 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 90 innings.

He had a difficult first appearance in Game 1 of the NLDS, allowing five runs in three innings, but his five-inning, two-hit performance showed growth and now he hopes to help Los Angeles reach the World Series for the first time since to be achieved in 2020.

Even though Kershaw won't be on the field to help, he'll still have his job supporting Yamamoto and the rest of the Dodgers' pitching staff.