Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Walker Buehler is going to start Game 3 of the World Series, marking a third consecutive outing he’s being handed the ball at that point in a playoff matchup.
The Dodgers’ starting rotation for the World Series appeared plenty clear days before they took the field against the New York Yankees. Seemingly the only question was if Buehler or Jack Flaherty would start Game 1.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was effectively locked into a Game 2 start in order to maximize his availability while also factoring in the schedule the Dodgers have kept him on. Yamamoto starting Saturday makes him available for a potential Game 6 on five days of rest.
Flaherty received the nod in the opener against the Yankees, which guaranteed Buehler’s first time pitching in the 2024 World Series would come at Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers decided on Game 3, both because of confidence in the right-hander and implications moving forward.
“We love Walker in big games,” Roberts said. “The road isn’t going to faze him and it also allows him potentially to be available for a Game 7 too.”
Buehler’s first start of the 2024 postseason was a mixed bag of results. Sloppy defense didn’t do him any favors, but Buehler avoided a completely catastrophic outing by still getting through five innings.
That preserved Dodgers relievers for a bullpen game the following night as the Dodgers staved off elimination against the San Diego Padres and eventually went on to win the National League Division Series.
For the NL Championship Series, Buehler thrived in chilly weather as he held the New York Mets scoreless over four innings.
Buehler’s start in Game 3 is going to be the first of his career at Yankee Stadium.
Walker Buehler grateful for Dodgers’ trust
After a trying season in which he struggled for multiple stretches, Buehler is equally excited and humbled to now be in position to help the Dodgers pursue a World Series title.
“It’s kind of the only thing I care about,” answered Buehler with a grin when recently asked about having been labeled a ‘big-game pitcher.’
When discussing the Dodgers’ continued faith in him, Buehler said, “For me the most important thing about being a teammate or a starting pitcher is that your team trusts you in tough spots. It’s humbling and a really big compliment for me to hear that from some of the guys.”
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