Dodgers: Chronicling Walker Buehler’s 17th Start vs. Rangers
Dodgers Nation will be following Walker Buehler’s starts as he seeks to be the next elite Dodgers pitcher. The Dodgers have a history of dominant players on the mound from Sandy Koufax to Don Drysdale to Clayton Kershaw. As a former first-round pick and a highly touted prospect, Buehler looks to be the next big thing in Los Angeles. All we can do is relax and enjoy the show.
August 28, 2018
Season statistics coming into the game: (6-4, 2.96 ERA)
Season statistics after the game: (6-4, 3.02 ERA)
The Opponent: Texas Rangers
Stadium: Globe Life Stadium in Arlington
Days of Rest: 5
Catcher: Yasmani Grandal
Game Results
Innings Pitched: 4
Earned Runs: 2
Hits: 4
Home Runs: 0
Strikeouts: 4
Walks: 2
Pitch Count: 84
Batters Faced: 18
MLB.com Game Score: 50
History
Walker Buehler performed well over his last five starts heading into Tuesday, posting a 1.11 ERA over that stretch. The Dodgers had won just two out of his last five starts, because of a combination of a lack of run support and a shaky bullpen. This was Buehler’s first time pitching at Globe Life Stadium in his career.
Performance
An erratic bullpen, nor a lack of hitting prevent Buehler from winning his seventh game of the year. He lasted just four innings, throwing 84 pitches. Buehler allowed just two runs in what was the shortest start of his career.
The Highs
Buehler coasted through most of the game. Excluding the fourth inning, Buehler’s stat line would be three innings, three strikeouts, one hit, one walk and no runs allowed. He threw just 47 pitches in those three efficient innings.
The Lows
Buehler’s short outing came in part because he labored in the third inning. He threw 37 pitches as he allowed two runs, three singles, and a walk. Despite this being his worst inning, Buehler manages to limit the damage to two runs.
Analysis
With 98.1 innings under his belt, Buehler has set a new career high for innings pitched in a season as a professional. He threw 98 innings between the minors and majors last year. With the Dodgers trailing the Rockies and Diamondbacks by just one game, Dave Roberts will likely remain cautious with the rookie pitcher’s innings down the stretch. Buehler’s next start will likely come against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
Recap: Wood, Dodgers Take Care of Business in Texas