Walker Buehler’s career with the Los Angeles Dodgers was certainly filled with many ups and downs, but he did manage to start off on a high note during his rookie season in 2018.
As part of a conversation with Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune, Buehler explained why it set him up for success during his career.
“That was about 20 pounds ago, probably,” Buehler initially quipped. “Just a little kid from Kentucky trying to figure it out, playing in the big city and all that kind of stuff. In L.A. at that time there was a lot of veteran players; Justin Turner, Kersh obviously, and Chase Utley.
“We had a really interesting team. Manny was on that team, so I’ve known him a lot longer than people kind of remember. Just a really cool time and a few games down the stretch there that gives you the confidence. I think if you can do it in the playoffs or a World Series game, I think approaching any game in June, you feel more confident the next year.
“At that time I probably didn’t need it, but I think it probably served me really well.”
Buehler emerged as one of the Dodgers’ top starters that season at just 23 years old. The team entrusted him with big moments, including pitching against the Colorado Rockies in Game 163 to decide the National League West title.
Buehler finished that season 8-5 with a 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 151 strikeouts over 137.1 innings pitched across 25 games (24 starts). He led all rookies in ERA, FIP (3.04) and batting average against (.193).
Buehler went on to be named a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year, which was won by Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. The right-handed starter ultimately finished in third place for the award.
But what really stood out from his rookie season was the performances Buehler had in the postseason. Although it wasn’t complete dominance, Buehler saved his best for when the lights were brightest. That would remain a theme throughout his career.
Buehler delivered seven scoreless innings with the Dodgers facing a 2-0 series deficit in the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. Buehler’s effort helped the Dodgers get back into the series with a Game 3 victory, though it took 18 innings to secure.
The longtime Dodgers veteran went on to have many more memorable postseason performances, including Game 5 of the 2024 World Series to clinch the first of L.A.’s back-to-back championships.
Walker Buehler starting vs. Dodgers
Now three seasons removed from a second UCL procedure, as well as flexor tendon repair, the 31-year-old has rediscovered some success as a member of the San Diego Padres’ rotation.
Buehler is now on his third team in two seasons, but more importantly, he is on the opposite side of what has become an intense rivalry in recent years.
The nine-year veteran hopes the reception won’t be too hostile for his first visit to Dodger Stadium as a member of the Padres. In the meantime, Buehler is first slated to pitch against the Dodgers as a member of the Padres on Saturday at Petco Park.
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