In an interesting turn of events for the 2024 World Series victory of the Los Angeles Dodgers, it was Walker Buehler who sealed the deal in the bottom of the ninth inning of their crucial 7-6 triumph over the New York Yankees in Game 5. Buehler has faced his fair share of challenges throughout the season, enduring a multitude of injury setbacks over the past few seasons, so his presence as the final pitcher on the mound is truly a tale of redemption.
It came as a delightful surprise that Buehler was an option out of the Dodgers’ bullpen after pitching five innings in their Game 3 victory. Buehler was absolutely determined to create his moment in the World Series and he admitted that he even deceived pitching coach Mark Prior in the process.
“I fibbed to Mark too. Mark reached out and asked, ‘What are you doing down there?’ I replied, ‘I informed you I’d be down here.’ He asked, ‘Have you thrown?’ I replied, ‘Yes, I’m good.’ … I haven’t touched the ball [since Game 3],” Buehler shared with a sly grin during an appearance on the “On Base With Mookie Betts” podcast, as reported by Matthew Moreno of Dodger Blue.
The positive news was that Buehler’s warm-up pitches in the bullpen were approved for him to take charge in the bottom of the ninth inning, and he successfully guided the Dodgers to victory.
“I turned to [Brent Honeywell] and Joe [Kelly] and asked, ‘Was that sharp?’ They responded, ‘Definitely.’ Alright, let’s do this!” Buehler added.
Buehler certainly delivered; he struck out two of the batters he faced, showcasing a nasty curveball, and with the Dodgers needing only three outs, he completed the task — even if it required a small fib to make it happen.
Can the Dodgers retain World Series star Walker Buehler?
The Dodgers face several choices regarding their starting rotation for the upcoming 2025 season. Three of their starting pitchers — Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Clayton Kershaw — are currently available in the free agency market, and the number of starters they intend to retain in light of the numerous injuries experienced in 2024 remains uncertain.
As for Buehler, he has certainly earned a new contract with the Dodgers. In four playoff appearances (three starts), Buehler recorded an ERA of 3.60 in 15 innings along with 13 strikeouts.
Image Source: Walker Buehler @ Instagram
