Will Walker Buehler Play in the Playoffs For Dodgers? Dave Roberts Weighs In
As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to finalize their regular season, the National League West is still very much up for grabs. After losing on Saturday to the Colorado Rockies, the Dodgers’ lead in the division over the San Diego Padres is down to just three games.
The two teams are set to open a three-game series next week at Dodger Stadium, a pivotal matchup right before the season ends. Los Angeles has been staying afloat amid all of their injuries but the Padres have kept pace.
Starting pitcher Walker Buehler struggled again against the Rockies on Saturday, going 5.1 innings, allowing four runs and striking out nine. Since returning from Tommy John surgery, Buehler has been fairly inconsistent on the mound for the Dodgers and his status for the playoffs has been in question.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts weighed in on the potential for Buehler to start in the postseason and his confidence level given the struggles.
“This is the most confident I’ve been in Walker this year,” Roberts said. “I believe that it was in there, but obviously he needs to have some success to believe that as well. I do think getting nine strikeouts and commanding the baseball the way that he is, I feel very confident of him starting a playoff game for us.”
On the year, Buehler has posted an ERA of 5.63 through 15 starts. He has been very up-and-down but Roberts still believes in him moving forward.
The veteran right-hander is scheduled to be a free agent this winter and his performance has left a lot to question. Many expect him to return to the Dodgers on a prove-it type of deal but he will need to perform well down the stretch if he wants to help this team win big.
“He’s putting himself in some stress in the first inning,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We have to figure out a way to get that clean first inning because it does seem like the third and fourth and fifth innings, he finds his stride.”
If Buehler continues to struggle, the Dodgers may have a very tough decision on their hands before the start of the playoffs.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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