The Los Angeles Dodgers played to their first tie of Spring Training against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday in a game that was started by Walker Buehler.
It was the right-hander’s first outing of Cactus League play, and he did not disappoint, allowing just one hit over two innings of work. Buehler threw 24 pitches on the night, collected one strikeout and was aided by James Outman making a pair of sliding catches in center field.
Though he didn’t have his best stuff, Buehler overall was pleased with the start. “It was fine,” he said. “Stuff isn’t quite where I want it to be this early in the year, but it’s good to be out there and be out there early in spring for once.”
Buehler further explained he wasn’t trying to do anything special in his first start, but rather just focus on the basics. “You’re just trying to get your timing, warmup and all that stuff right. And just try to throw strikes and get out of there as clean as you can,” he said.
Buehler expects to throw roughly 15 more pitches in his next outing as he progressively builds up for the regular season. “I think so,” Buehler said of upping his pitch count.
“Obviously my past Spring Trainings have been a little different than we would’ve liked, so just try to stay on that traditional schedule and go from there.”
Prior to facing the Giants, most of Buehler’s work this spring came in the form of live batting practice sessions against his Dodgers teammates. He felt he was more than prepared for his first Cactus League start given all the talent he regularly faces in camp.
“I think when you have the depth of talent that we have, that’s one of the perks,” Buehler said. “You get to face really good players even when you’re just getting ready. We had a good time with it and enjoyed it.”
Buehler sees difference from changing offseason routine
Looking to get off to a better start this season, Buehler elected to throw more over the offseason rather than take a substantial break.
He can already see the changes paying off. “Yeah. I’m out there, and that’s the biggest thing,” Buehler said. “Trying to just get ready in a better way for our team and for me. I wasn’t expecting to throw a million tonight, but felt good with it.”
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