Walker Buehler Reveals He Lied to Mark Prior in Dodgers World Series Game 5

Walker Buehler came in and played the hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. Buehler, less than two days off of his start in Game 3 of the World Series, came in the ninth inning of Game 5 and pulled off the save. Buehler did not allow a hit or earned run, and struck out two to give the Dodgers their eighth championship in franchise history.

Buehler revealed on Mookie Betts’ podcast, “On Base with Mookie Betts,” that prior to making the save, he lied to Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior that he had already thrown.

“I lied to Mark, too,” Buehler recalled to Betts and his teammates. “… Mark called down and said, ‘What the f—k are you doing?’ He goes, ‘Have you thrown,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m fine.’ I hadn’t touched a ball.”

More news: Blockbuster Trade the Dodgers Need to Make Coming Off Their 2024 World Series Win

The lie paid off for Buehler. Though he had not thrown at that point when Prior asked, he was able to get the needed reps in and pitch one of his best innings in the ninth of Game 5.

Before getting the opportunity to close the game, Buehler told Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman that he planned to make himself available to pitch in Game 5. Friedman told Buehler that the game would have to get “wonky” for Buehler to come in. After Jack Flaherty struggled early and the Dodgers came back from a 5-0 deficit to take a 7-6 lead, Buehler got his chance and delivered, sealing the Dodgers’ championship victory.

After his first postseason start, Buehler had a nearly flawless postseason run for the Dodgers. He did not allow an earned run in his final three games and 13 innings pitched, while striking out 13. The Dodgers won both of his starts in the National League Championship Series and World Series, before he pulled off the most important save of his career.

Buehler is currently a free agent and could find a new home this offseason. But whether or not he remains a Dodgers, his save will go down as one of the most iconic moments for the Dodgers.

More news: Dodgers, Walker Buehler Discussing New Contract: Report

Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!