After Max Scherzer’s scratch, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Walker Buehler as their starter for Game 6 in the NL Championship Series against Atlanta Braves.
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 of victory. The Braves won the best-of-7 series 3-2.
Buehler, who had been resting for a week, was thrown into a bind by the Braves in Game 3. He gave up six runs, two earned, 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 provide any explanations for his departure from his scheduled start, his right arm clearly had not fully recovered from last Sunday’s 4 1/3-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.
