Two nights after turning in what was considered the season’s pinnacle performance, Walker Buehler helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win their eighth World Series championship in team history by defeating the New York Yankees in the ninth inning. This was the Dodgers pitching staff’s comprehensive approach after Jack Flaherty struggled in his first start. He became the first pitcher to allow at least four runs and two home runs while completing less than two innings in a World Series game. That forced the Dodgers to rely on Anthony Banda, Ryan Brasier, Michael Kopech, Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen to play most of the innings, just one day after the planned bullpen.

Walker Buehler What Are They Gonna Say Now Los Angeles Dodgers Poster

Roberts noted that Buehler was only able to play one inning, which further emphasized the importance of Treinen’s contributions. Although this replacement appearance is a major departure from Buehler’s tradition, Roberts and the Dodgers have no doubts about his potential in handling this brief role change. “I just think about experience and pedigree,” Roberts said when asked what made him feel comfortable bringing in Buehler. “We were both there at the time, and he wanted baseball. I just felt that he wouldn’t run from that moment on. I just felt he was the best choice.”