Since making his MLB in 2017, Walker Buehler has established himself as one of the league’s best big-game pitchers, often rising to the occasion when it matters most for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The right-hander again lived up to that reputation during the 2020 postseason, excelling in all four of the Dodgers’ series. He seemingly got stronger as the month of October progressed, as his numbers improved with each matchup.
Buehler’s performance in the playoffs was even more impressive considering he was somewhat limited due to lingering blister issues that cost him time in the regular season.
During an appearance on the “Starting 9 Podcast,” Buehler revealed that he altered his workout routine for the postseason, which he believes played a role in his effectiveness, via Barstool Sports:
“I even told younger guys this year that were going to playoffs, like, ‘Hey, this stuff is going to be harder on your body, so you need to lift harder.’ I’ve always lifted harder. We get in the playoffs, if I’m normally going to squat on Day 1, I’m going to try and go heavier. I’ve always thought if it’s going to take more, you’ve got to put in more. This year I didn’t squat one time in the playoffs. I just did leg press. In terms of my lifting, kept it a little lighter, and I think it ended up helping a lot in terms of getting me going.”
In five postseason starts, Buehler went 2-0 with a superb 1.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 25 innings pitched. He was at his best during the National League Championship Series, where he posted a minuscule 0.82 ERA in 11 innings against the Atlanta Braves (two games).
Buehler admitted Braves fans were harsh on Dodgers players throughout the seven-game set, but it was L.A. that got the last laugh, as they overcame a 3-1 deficit to advance to their third World Series in the past four seasons.
Buehler plays up pressure with ‘big games’
Buehler has proven time and time again why he is one of the most reliable pitchers in big spots. He attributed his success to feeding off the energy of the fans and his teammates in postseason games.
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