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Mariners Vs. Dodgers Game Preview: Walker Buehler Looking To Get On Track

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Jun 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (21) throws against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers started their homestand on a positive note and now look to clinch a series win against the Seattle Mariners with Walker Buehler in search of success on an individual level as well.

Buehler is 1-4 with a 6.02 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through nine starts in his return from a second Tommy John surgery. He was activated off the 15-day injured list last week after missing time due to right hip inflammation, but continued to struggle.

Given the Mariners are one of the worst offensive teams in baseball, the matchup figures to be an opportunity for Buehler to find his footing. Particularly after watching contact-pitcher Gavin Stone set a career high with 10 strikeouts.

“You look at what Clayton (Kershaw) did, what Gavin did tonight, that’s the formula, regardless of if you pitch to contact,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of getting ahead in the count.

“Gavin did get strikeouts and when you can get ahead, you put a little bit of extra pressure. Walker, his last start, really didn’t do a great job of that and hasn’t done a great job. So for me, looking at acquiring strike one is going to be most important tomorrow.”

Buehler has attempted to integrate various adjustments throughout the year and recognizes his need to improve as the Dodgers have World Series aspirations.

The Mariners counter with Bryce Miller, who enters 9-7 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 24 starts this season. Miller is coming off back-to-back scoreless outings after struggling against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 3.

The right-hander has collected at least six strikeouts in three of his past four starts.

Miller faces a Dodgers lineup that includes Tommy Edman starting at shortstop in his second game with the team. Edman’s Dodgers debut came in center field, where he’ll primarily play.

Dodgers lineup

DH: Shohei Ohtani
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
LF: Teoscar Hernández
2B: Gavin Lux
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
SS: Tommy Edman
CF: Kevin Kiermaier

Mariners lineup

CF: Victor Robles
DH: Julio Rodríguez
C: Cal Raleigh
1B: Luke Raley
LF: Randy Arozarena
2B: Jorge Polanco
RF: Mitch Haniger
3B: Josh Rojas
SS: Leo Rivas

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com