Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — Never bet against Walker Buehler in October. After months of doubts, and a rocky inning in San Diego, Buehler delivered the goods on his biggest stage so far, pitching four scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 8-0 victory over the New York Mets. Following the win, Buehler fielded questions about his decision-making on the mound and the significance of the game for him personally.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in the second inning with the bases loaded, Buehler explained why he opted for a curveball against Francisco Lindor rather than challenging him with a fastball. “I just throw what Will [Smith] puts down,” Buehler said, attributing the decision to the trust he has in his catcher. “This series, and really throughout these playoffs, I think this is as in sync with the pitching staff as Will has ever been. He’s calling really good games, and I trust what he sees more than anyone. I trust what he sees more than I trust what I see.”
Buehler’s approach has evolved significantly since his earlier years with the Dodgers. When asked if he would have thrown a fastball in a similar spot a few years ago, Buehler was candid. “Oh, in 2018 or 2019, I would have thrown a fastball, no question,” he admitted. Now, however, he’s more comfortable mixing in off-speed pitches in crucial situations, something he has developed in the wake of his second Tommy John surgery. “It’s a big part of what I’ve had to learn—knowing when to change speeds and trust my stuff differently.”
The significance of the outing was not lost on Buehler, who has had to work his way back from the surgery. Pitching in high-stakes games is what he lives for. “These big games, that’s literally all I care about,” he shared. “The way Kike [Hernandez] talks about our team having some sort of confidence when I pitch, that’s really the goal for any starting pitcher. I just want 25 guys in the locker room to believe that I give us a really good chance to win, and if I’ve created that belief, then that’s probably what I’ll be the most proud of when I’m done.”
Buehler acknowledged the challenges of returning to form after surgery, stating that rediscovering his identity on the mound has been a significant process. “I think the surgeries and the road back made me reinvent myself,” he said. “It’s been a year where I had to learn a lot and adjust to being in this position again. But, you know, it’s moments like tonight, with the crowd into it and the adrenaline flowing, that make it all worth it.”
The second inning proved to be a turning point when Buehler found himself in a bases-loaded jam with Lindor at the plate. The decision to use the curveball was instinctual, but Buehler noted that he was motivated by his past struggles this season. “The fear of pitching the way I did earlier this year, that’s probably what I channel,” he said. “You’ve got to find a way to make a pitch in that spot. I think the last time I really made a pitch like that in the playoffs was back in 2020 against Atlanta in a similar situation.”
Buehler’s performance also carried historical significance. With the start, he moved to second all-time in postseason starts for the Dodgers, trailing only Clayton Kershaw. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Buehler downplayed his individual role in reaching that milestone. “Honestly, I think that’s a team stat,” he said. “We’ve been in the playoffs every year I’ve been here and healthy, and I’ve been very fortunate to get the ball. This year is a pretty good example of that, given how the regular season went. It’s a cool stat, but it’s really about our team.”
When discussing the conditions at the ballpark, Buehler mentioned how the cold affected his pitches, leading to unusual movement. “In the cold, the ball acts kind of differently,” he explained. “It can move really big and do some crazy things. All five of my pitches were a little bit bigger or weirder than normal tonight, but that’s just part of pitching in this environment.”
Ultimately, Buehler emphasized his gratitude for being part of the Dodgers organization and the opportunity to compete in the playoffs, especially after the physical and mental challenges he faced during his recovery. “Pressure is a privilege,” he said. “I’ve gotten to do this a lot of times, and these games certainly get me excited, but they don’t overwhelm me like they used to when I was younger. I’m just fortunate to be a part of this organization and a part of this team specifically.”
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
