Walker Buehler: The Comeback Kid on Baseball’s Biggest Stage
Walker Buehler is no stranger to the pressure of the World Series. As he takes the mound for Game 3 of the championship series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, fans and analysts alike are reminded of his previous postseason heroics. In 2018 and 2020, Buehler was a force to be reckoned with, leading the Dodgers to victory in both of his World Series starts. Over those two games, he pitched a combined 13 innings, allowing just five hits and one run while striking out an impressive 17 batters. The memories of those performances linger, but the question now is: can he replicate that success?
A Different Walker Buehler
However, the Buehler stepping onto the mound tonight is not the same pitcher who dazzled in those earlier World Series appearances. After undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2022, Buehler has faced a challenging road to recovery. In 2018, he was three years removed from his first Tommy John surgery and was able to unleash a fastball that hit 100 mph, averaging an impressive 98 mph. Fast forward to this season, and his velocity has noticeably dipped. In his most recent outing against the New York Mets in the NLDS, Buehler averaged just 93.8 mph on his four-seam fastball, with a maximum velocity of 95.4 mph.
Changes in Pitching Strategy
Buehler’s transformation extends beyond just his velocity. In 2021, he finished fourth in Cy Young voting, throwing his four-seamer 44.7 percent of the time. This season, however, he has relied on that pitch only 29 percent of the time. While it remains his most frequently thrown pitch, it is no longer the dominant weapon it once was. Buehler has a diverse arsenal that includes a cutter, knuckle curve, and sinker, but he has also introduced a sweeper and a slider into his repertoire. Interestingly, he threw the slider just 1.3 percent of the time during the regular season and did not use it at all against the Mets.
The Rollercoaster of Postseason Performance
Buehler’s postseason journey this year has been a tale of two starts. He struggled in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Padres, giving up six runs over five innings. However, he rebounded with a scoreless four-inning performance against the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS. This inconsistency raises questions about which version of Buehler will show up at Yankee Stadium.
Environmental Factors at Play
Buehler himself has acknowledged that external factors could influence his performance. “I think the weather and the stadium has something to do with it,” he noted, reflecting on his experiences in different ballparks. The conditions for his start at Yankee Stadium are expected to be cool, with temperatures around 54 degrees and a light wind of 6 mph. This contrasts sharply with the warmer, calmer conditions he faced in San Diego earlier this month.
Facing a Left-Handed Heavy Lineup
Another critical aspect to consider is the lineup he will face. Buehler’s platoon splits this season have been relatively even, with right-handed hitters posting an OPS of .833 and left-handers at .890. However, the Mets featured only one left-handed hitter and one switch hitter in their lineup against him. In contrast, the Yankees boast four left-handed hitters, including Juan Soto, who has a mixed history against Buehler. Soto is 2-for-10 in his career against him but hasn’t faced him since 2022, prior to Buehler’s second Tommy John surgery.
The Stakes Are High
As Buehler prepares to take the mound, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Dodgers are counting on him to deliver a performance that echoes his past successes while navigating the challenges that come with his recent history. The combination of his evolving pitching style, the environmental conditions, and the formidable lineup of the Yankees sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing matchup. Fans will be watching closely, hoping to see the return of the dominant Walker Buehler they remember from previous World Series runs.