What's behind Clayton Kershaw's pitching revival in his 18th season? 'The bowl'

Clayton Kershaw improved mobility in his hip/pelvis/lower-back area, referred to as the "bowl," through targeted corrective training. The Dodgers' athletic development staff identified limited bowl movement and implemented exercises to restore mobility and daily function. Kershaw endured multiple surgeries in recent offseasons on his shoulder, foot and knee and has lost some velocity, often barely touching 90 mph. Improved bowl mobility allowed him to rely on command, pitch sequencing and veteran experience, producing a 9-2 record and 3.06 ERA in 17 starts during the 2025 season. The mobility work reduced daily discomfort and supported a physical resurgence.

When stopped by a reporter near the dugout recently, in the midst of hauling an assortment of training equipment back to the clubhouse at the end of a Dodgers pregame workout, the team's athletic development coordinator began to be queried on the evolution of Clayton Kershaw 's training routine - and how, at age 37, it has helped the future Hall of Famer manufacture a renaissance performance in his 18th MLB season. With a laugh, Yavarone quickly interjected. "The bowl?" he asked.

For a player long reluctant to changing his old vigorous training routine, it provided a different way to think about maintaining his body. "The bowl is like your hip, this stuff right here," Kershaw said recently, while circling his hands around his hips and midsection. "[The training staff told me], 'Your bowl doesn't move the way it should.' And they were like, 'Hey, we can fix that.'"}],

After years of back problems, then surgeries the last two offseasons on his shoulder, foot and knee, Kershaw has produced a resurgent 2025 season - thanks in no small part to how well his "bowl" is now moving. He might not throw as hard as he once did, barely hitting 90 mph with his fastball even on his best days. He doesn't overpower opponents the way he could in his prime, relying more on consistent command, pitch sequencing and veteran guile to post a 9-2 record and 3.06 ERA in 17 starts this year.

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