ATLANTA, The Los Angeles Dodgers tapped Walker Buehler as their starter in Game 6 of Saturday’s NL Championship Series against Atlanta Braves. Walker Buehler was named after Max Scherzer, who was scratched.
Buehler, a right-handed pitcher, was returning to the field after only three days of rest. The 106-win Dodgers were in an urgent need to win. The Braves won the best-of-7 series 3-2.
After a week of rest, Buehler was thrown out by the Braves in Game 3 on Tuesday. He gave up six hits and four runs in only 3 1/3 innings. The Dodgers won 6-5.
Buehler pitched in Game 4 of NL Division Series on short rest, going 4/3 innings against the San Francisco Giants. He allowed one run and three hits.
Buehler went 0-1 in this postseason with a 3.77 ERA over 14 1/3 innings. He was one of the NL’s best pitchers, with a 16-4 record and a 2.47 ERA.
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Scherzer was acquired by the Dodgers in Washington just before the deadline. He complained of a stiff arm after starting Game 2 on only two days’ rest following a 13-pitch save at the Division Series clincher.
Although the Dodgers didn’t immediately explain why he had been removed from his scheduled start last Sunday, it was clear that his right arm wasn’t fully recovered from his 4/3-inning stint.
The 37-year old threw 79 pitches and gave up four hits and two runs. He also struck out seven. In Atlanta’s 5-4 victory, he did not receive a decision.
The Dodgers were left with no other option than to send Scherzer home. Buehler was originally scheduled to pitch Game 7.
Game 4 was started by Julio Urias on Wednesday. Clayton Kershaw is currently out due to injury. In Game 5, the Dodgers used a bullpen approach, but Joe Kelly suffered a devastating postseason injury.
David Price was activated by the Dodgers, but his last appearance was Aug. 22, and he hasn’t pitched in any postseason games. Tony Gonsolin was a relief pitcher during the regular season, but only 13 times.
