Heading into the 2017 season, Cody Bellinger figured to join the Los Angeles Dodgers for his MLB debut come September, and the same held true for Alex Verdugo. Walker Buehler, entering his first full year since Tommy John surgery, quickly joined that conversation.
Buehler impressed during throwing sessions at Camelback Ranch, and it left the team pondering including him on their roster once it came time to break camp. That opportunity would’ve afforded Buehler a chance to pitch at either Dodger Stadium or Angel Stadium.
The right-handed prospect was instead optioned to Minor League camp, but all that did was simply delay the inevitable. Buehler quickly rose through the farm system and was among the Dodgers call-ups in September.
He’s transitioned to a role as a relief pitcher, because it’s what may pave the way for the 23-year-old to be included on the Dodgers’ playoff roster.
While Buehler was called up with an understanding he was competing to make the roster for the National League Division Series, it’s not something he’s allowed to consume him, per Joshua Thornton of MLB.com:
“One of those things, just trying to get experience and get my feet wet. If that happens, great; if not, it’s been a good ride here. I just want to contribute any way I can in any situation they put me in.”
In nine relief appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Buehler recorded one save, allowed seven runs in 13.1 innings (4.73 ERA) and struck 19 batters compared to five walks. Overall with OKC, he went 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 34 strikeouts against 11 walks in 23.1 innings pitched across 12 games.
Buehler went 1-0 with a 7.11 ERA, 5.94 FIP and 2.04 WHIP in eight games with the Dodgers. He struck out 12, walked eight and allowed two home runs in 9.1 innings. His inflated ERA is a byproduct of allowing four runs to the Colorado Rockies in one-third of an inning on Sept. 10.
Buehler allowed two runs across two innings in a third time facing Colorado. The Rockies hit .440/.600/1.040 with two doubles, five walks and six strikeouts in 25 plate appearances against the young righty. Buehler did not face the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Aside from them potentially being the Dodgers’ matchup in the NLDS, the likelihood of Buehler remaining with the team for the postseason may have further been diminished by Pedro Baez’s late improvement.
