The Los Angeles Dodgers capped off a thrilling four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a walk-off win Sunday that vaulted them into sole possession of first place in the National League West.
One night removed from hitting a game-winning home run off Archie Bradley, Matt Kemp found himself digging in against the Diamondbacks reliever yet again. Bradley replaced Brad Boxberger with one out in the bottom of the ninth and runners at second and third base.
While Kemp goes down as the hero by hitting a two-run double, Walker Buehler was a star in his own right. Buehler held the Diamondbacks to just one run and two hits over 6.1 innings.
He recorded two singles of his own and matched a career high with nine strikeouts. However, some of the exuberance with the Dodgers’ walk-off win was tempered by news that Buehler was sent for a precautionary X-ray on his left foot.
According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, the results were negative:
Walker Buehler’s x-rays were negative. He thinks he had a muscle spasm in his left foot.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) September 3, 2018
With that, Buehler anticipates making his next scheduled start. Because of an off day this week, he’s currently lined up to start Saturday in the second of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies. However, Buehler in theory could be pushed to the series finale at Coors Field.
Although there isn’t necessarily reason to believe there will be a repeat occurrence, it is worth remembering Buehler pitched with a cracked rib despite an X-ray also coming back negative. It wasn’t until persisting pain that it was uncovered through additional testing.
Being in the thick of the NL West race, the Dodgers and Buehler naturally hope this injury scare is indeed behind them.
