Walker Buehler

Buehler attended Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky.{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Mike |date=April 28, 2019 |title=Henry Clay senior Walker Buehler a standout on the mound and in the classroom |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/high-school/article44175204.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428174451/https://www.kentucky.com/sports/high-school/article44175204.html |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=Lexington Herald Leader}} He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft but did not sign and instead chose to play college baseball for the Vanerbilt Commodores.{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2012 |title=4.3 GPA, Blazing Fastball Lead to Vanderbilt Scholarship |url=http://www.lexingtonfamily.com/2012/07/4-3-gpa-blazing-fastball-lead-to-vanderbilt-scholarship/ |access-date=September 7, 2017 |website=LexingtonFamily.com}}

As a freshman in 2013, he made 9 starts and appeared in 16 games. He had a 4–3 record with a 3.14 earned run average (ERA) and 57 strikeouts. As a sophomore, he went 12–2 with 111 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA and was a member of the 2014 College World Series championship team.{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Mike |date=April 30, 2015 |title=Henry Clay's Buehler chasing another title as Vandy visits Kentucky |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2015/04/30/3828070/henry-clays-buehler-chasing-another.html |access-date=September 7, 2017 |website=Lexington Herald Leader}}{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=March 12, 2015 |title=Vandy's 1–2 pitching punch back for SEC opener |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2015/03/12/vanderbilt-commodores-walker-buehler-starter/70230676/ |access-date=September 7, 2017 |website=Tennessean.com}}{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Mike |date=June 13, 2014 |title=Henry Clay's Buehler key component of Vandy's run to College World Series |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2014/06/13/3290034/henry-clays-buehler-key-component.html |access-date=September 7, 2017 |publisher=Kentucky.com}} On June 16, 2014, Buehler pitched {{fraction|5|1|3}} innings of no-hit relief, retiring the first nine batters he faced and striking out seven batters in Vanderbilt's win over University of California Irvine.{{cite web | last=Olson | first=Eric | title=Vandy moves win away from spot in finals | website=NCAA.com | date=June 17, 2014 | url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2014-06-17/walker-buehler-shuts-down-uc-irvine-vandy-moves-win-away-finals | access-date=October 21, 2024}}File:Walker Buehler (140618-F-JW310-003) (cropped).jpg

After the 2014 season Buehler pitched once for the U.S. collegiate collegiate team{{Cite web |title=Overall Statistics for the 2014 Collegiate National Team |url=https://img.mlbstatic.com/opprops-images/image/upload/opprops/it0pne5lttpsuyckassv.pdf |website=USA Baseball}} and played for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Caroline |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Walker Buehler's College Career: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/news/2018/10/walker-buehler-college-career-vanderbilt/ |access-date=April 3, 2019 |website=Heavy.com |language=en}} He posted a 0.63 earned run average with 24 strikeouts over {{fraction|28|2|3}} innings pitched for the Red Sox.{{Cite web |title=Walker Buehler – Profile |url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=618764&seasonid=28948 |access-date=July 13, 2019 |website=Pointstreak}} In the 2014 CCBL playoffs, he did not allow a run in {{fraction|15|1|3}} innings, won both of his starts, and was a co-winner of MVP honors,{{Cite web |title=Y-D's Walker Buehler and Marcus Mastrobuoni named Postseason Co-MVPs |url=http://www.capecodbaseball.org/news/season/index.html?article_id=1899 |access-date=July 13, 2019 |publisher=CCBL}} leading the Red Sox to the league championship.{{Cite web |last=Uhlman |first=Harold |date=June 10, 2015 |title=Meet Dodgers first-round draft pick Walker Buehler |url=https://thinkbluela.com/2015/06/meet-dodgers-first-round-draft-pick-walker-buehler/ |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=Think Blue LA |language=en-US}}

In 2015, as a junior he posted a 2.95 ERA in {{fraction|88|1|3}} innings for the Commodores while striking out 92 and walking 30.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=buehle000wal|title=Walker Buehler College, Amateur and Minor League Statistics|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=January 8, 2024}} Over the course of his three-year college career, he went 21–7 with a 2.87 ERA in 51 games, striking out 260 against only 86 walks.

Buehler was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 24th overall selection of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft{{Cite web |last=Weisman |first=Jon |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Vanderbilt RHP Walker Buehler taken in first round by Dodgers |url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2015/06/08/vanderbilt-rhp-walker-buehler-taken-in-first-round-by-dodgers/ |access-date=June 8, 2015 |website=Dodger Insider}} and signed on July 17, 2015, for a $1.78 million bonus.{{Cite web |last=Simon |first=Andrew |date=July 17, 2015 |title=Dodgers agree with Buehler; Funkhouser back to school |url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/137023378 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719222335/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/137023378 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2015 |website=mlb.com}} Soon after his signing, it was revealed that he would require Tommy John surgery and would therefore be sidelined for a year and a half with recovery.{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Eric |date=August 4, 2015 |title=Dodgers 1st-round pick Walker Buehler to have Tommy John surgery Wednesday |url=http://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/4/9097811/walker-buehler-tommy-john-surgery-dodgers-mlb-draft |access-date=August 4, 2015 |website=SB Nation}} He finally made his professional baseball debut on August 23, 2016, for the Arizona League Dodgers, striking out three and retiring all six batters he faced.{{Cite web |last=Minami |first=Craig |date=August 24, 2016 |title=Walker Buehler makes his first professional appearance for Arizona Dodgers |url=http://www.truebluela.com/2016/8/24/12566842/Walker-Buehler-first-day-back-Dodgers-Minor-League-Report |access-date=August 24, 2016 |website=SB Nation}} He was then promoted to the Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League on August 28.{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Eric and Craig Minami |date=August 28, 2016 |title=Jose De Leon leads Oklahoma City to 2nd straight PCL division title |url=http://www.truebluela.com/2016/8/28/12683290/jose-deleon-strikeouts-oklahoma-city-division-title-dodgers |access-date=August 28, 2016 |website=SB Nation}} He appeared in two games for the Loons, making one start, and did not allow a run or a hit in the three innings he pitched.{{Cite web |title=2016 Great Lakes Loons Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=be03c64d |access-date=September 19, 2016 |website=Baseball Reference}}

Buehler began the 2017 season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League and allowed only three runs in {{fraction|16|1|3}} innings over five starts before he was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League on May 2.{{Cite web |last=Tripodi |first=Chris |date=May 2, 2017 |title=Dodgers promote Buehler to Double-A |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/los-angeles-dodgers-promote-walker-buehler-to-double-a/c-227850002/t-185364810 |access-date=May 2, 2017 |website=milb.com}} While with the Drillers, he made 11 starts with a 3.49 ERA and was selected to appear in the mid-season Texas League all-star game.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2017 |publisher=Tulsa Drillers |title=Nine Drillers Named to 2017 TL All-Star Game |url=https://www.milb.com/drillers/news/nine-drillers-named-to-2017-tl-all-star-game/c-236460740/t-196093322 |access-date=June 14, 2017 |website=milb.com}} He was promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers at mid-season{{Cite web |last=Unruh |first=Jacob |date=July 18, 2017 |title=Dodgers: Pitching prospect Walker Buehler continues rapid rise through minors |url=http://newsok.com/article/5556695 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |website=The Oklahoman}} where he made three starts before transitioning to the bullpen in preparation for a potential September major league callup.{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Bill |date=August 10, 2017 |title=Dodgers Notes: Walker Buehler beginning bullpen audition for possible September role |url=http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/10/dodgers-notes-walker-buehler-beginning-bullpen-audition-for-possible-september-role/ |access-date=September 5, 2017 |website=Orange County Register}} He had a 4.63 ERA in {{fraction|23|1|3}} innings for Oklahoma City.{{Cite web |title=2017 Oklahoma City Dodgers |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=08577334 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |website=Baseball Reference}} At the end of the season, he was selected as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year.{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Eric |date=August 23, 2017 |title=Walker Buehler, Keibert Ruiz named Dodgers minor league players of the year |url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/23/16194672/walker-buehler-keibert-ruiz-dodgers-minor-league-player-of-the-year-branch-rickey |access-date=August 24, 2017 |website=SB Nation}}

File:Walkerbuehler.jpg in 2017]]

The Dodgers added Buehler to the major league roster for the first time on September 6, 2017,{{Cite web |last=Callis |first=Jim |date=September 6, 2017 |title=What to expect from Dodgers' Buehler in big leagues |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-walker-buehler-called-up-to-majors-c252662200 |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913095642/http://m.mlb.com:80/news/article/252662200/dodgers-walker-buehler-called-up-to-majors/ |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=September 7, 2017 |website=mlb.com}} and he made his major league debut that night with two scoreless innings of relief against the Colorado Rockies. His first MLB strikeout was against Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies.{{Cite web |last=Thornton |first=Joshua |date=September 8, 2017 |title=Buehler impresses in Major League debut |url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/253155568/dodgers-walker-buehler-solid-in-debut/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911124813/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com:80/news/article/253155568/dodgers-walker-buehler-solid-in-debut/? |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |website=mlb.com}} He picked up his first major league win with a scoreless inning of relief against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 21.{{Cite web |last1=Gurnick |first1=Ken |last2=Harris |first2=Ben |date=September 21, 2017 |title=Dodgers rally in Philly, cut magic number to 1 |url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/255416026/dodgers-rally-in-philly-cut-magic-number-to-1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922003204/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/255416026/dodgers-rally-in-philly-cut-magic-number-to-1/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |access-date=September 22, 2017 |website=mlb.com}} Overall, Buehler appeared in eight Dodgers games in 2017, allowing eight runs in {{fraction|9|1|3}} innings (7.71 ERA) with 12 strikeouts and eight walks.{{Cite web |title=Walker Buehler Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehlwa01.shtml |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

Buehler made his first major league start on April 23, 2018, against the Miami Marlins, pitching five scoreless innings.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=April 24, 2018 |title=LA wins 7th of 8 after Buehler's scoreless 5 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-shines-as-dodgers-beat-marlins/c-273539242 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |website=mlb.com}} On May 4, against the San Diego Padres, he took a no-hitter through six innings, with eight strikeouts, until being taken out of the game after 93 pitches. Three relief pitchers combined to finish it off as the Dodgers won 4–0, the first combined no-hitter in franchise history.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=May 5, 2018 |title=Dodgers combine for no-hitter against Padres in Mexico |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/four-dodgers-combine-for-no-hitter-vs-padres/c-275327552 |access-date=May 5, 2018 |website=MLB.com}} He was placed on the disabled list on June 21 because of a rib injury.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Dodgers place Buehler on 10-day DL (rib) |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-injured-placed-on-dl/c-280950324 |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=mlb.com}} He returned to make an appearance out of the bullpen on June 28 but allowed five earned runs in one inning before returning to the disabled list.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Kaelen |date=June 28, 2018 |title=Walker Buehler struggles in return |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-struggles-in-return/c-283335032 |access-date=June 28, 2018 |website=MLB.com}} On July 13, Buehler made his first start in over a month against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two solo home runs to Kole Calhoun but no other earned runs.{{Cite web |last=Duarte |first=Michael |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Walker goes 5 innings in first start in a month |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Max-Muncy-Knocks-in-3-Runs-as-Dodgers-Rally-to-Beat-the-Angels-488171401.html |access-date=July 13, 2018 |website=NBC Los Angeles}} He set a new career high in strikeouts with nine on August 22.{{Cite web |last=Morino |first=Matthew |date=August 22, 2018 |title=Sets new career high in strikeout with 9 |url=https://dodgerblue.com/walker-buehler-career-high-nine-strikeouts-kenley-jansen-surrenders-game-winning-home-run-and-dodgers-swept-by-cardinals/2018/08/22/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=Dodger Blue}} After three more nine-strikeout starts, he struck out 12 on September 19 against the Colorado Rockies.{{Cite web |last=Padilla |first=Doug |date=September 20, 2018 |title=Buehler settles in, racks up career-high 12 K's |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-strikes-out-career-high-12/c-295347796 |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=mlb.com}}

On October 1, Buehler started the NL West Tie-Breaker Game against the Colorado Rockies. He picked up the win, giving up only one hit and allowing no runner to advance past second base. He also got his first career MLB run batted in in his 47th plate appearance.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=October 1, 2018 |title=Buehler helps Dodgers win the West |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-claim-nl-west-title-in-tiebreaker/c-296822024 |access-date=October 1, 2018 |website=mlb.com}} In 24 appearances for the Dodgers (23 starts and one relief appearance) in 2018, Buehler was 8–5 with a 2.62 ERA and 151 strikeouts. In the 2018 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, he started one game and allowed five runs in five innings; in the 2018 NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers he started two games, allowing five runs in {{fraction|11|2|3}} innings; and he threw seven scoreless innings in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. Buehler finished third in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year, behind Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Buehler finishes 3rd in NL Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-third-in-nl-rookie-of-the-year/c-300604032 |access-date=November 13, 2018 |website=mlb.com}}

On April 11, Buehler hit his first career home run off of Michael Wacha of the St. Louis Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Joe |date=April 11, 2019 |title=Walker Buehler hits first career HR |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-hits-first-career-homer |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} On June 21, he threw his first complete game against the Colorado Rockies, becoming the first Dodger pitcher with over 15 strikeouts and no walks. He struck out 16 Rockies, giving up three hits on 111 pitches.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=June 22, 2019 |title=LA makes Buehler (16 K's!) a walk-off winner |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-strikes-out-16-in-walk-off-win |access-date=June 22, 2019 |website=mlb.com}} He was selected to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, his first all-star appearance, in which he gave up one run in one inning.{{Cite web |last=Kavner |first=Rowan |date=June 30, 2019 |title=Ryu, Buehler, Kershaw join Bellinger on 2019 NL All-Star Team |url=https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/ryu-buehler-kershaw-join-bellinger-on-2019-nl-all-star-team-da68db148002 |access-date=June 30, 2019 |website=mlb.com}} On August 3, Buehler pitched another complete game, against the San Diego Padres. He struck out 15 Padre hitters and walked none; San Diego's only run was a Manuel Margot solo home run. At the same time he became only the third pitcher in MLB history (after Dwight Gooden and Pedro Martínez) with multiple games with 15 strikeouts and no walks in the same season.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=August 3, 2019 |title=SoCal breeze: Buehler K's 15 Padres in CG gem |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-strikes-out-15-in-complete-game |access-date=August 4, 2019 |website=mlb.com}}

Buehler finished the 2019 regular season with a record of 14–4, and a 3.26 ERA (9th in the NL) in 30 starts, with two complete games and 215 strikeouts. His .778 win–loss percentage was the best in the league, and he also led the league in complete games with two. He finished ninth in the Cy Young Award voting. Buehler was named the Dodgers' game one starter for the NLDS. He allowed only one hit in six scoreless innings while striking out eight and walking three to pick up the win.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=October 3, 2019 |title=Buehler's gem sends Dodgers past Nats |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-beat-nationals-in-game-1-of-nlds?game_pk=599347 |access-date=October 3, 2019 |website=mlb.com}} He also started the deciding fifth game of the series, allowing only one run in {{fraction|6|2|3}} innings while striking out seven in a game the Dodgers eventually lost in extra innings.{{Cite web |title=2019 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 5, Nationals at Dodgers, October 9 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN201910090.shtml |access-date=October 21, 2020 |website=Baseball Reference}}

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Buehler posted a 1–0 record with a 3.44 ERA in eight starts, striking out 42 batters in 36.2 innings. Buehler started the first games of the first and second round playoff series against the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, pitching just four innings in each game, with three total runs allowed. In the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, he started the first and sixth games, working a total of 11 innings with only one run allowed while striking out 13. He was the winning pitcher in game 6.{{Cite web |title=2020 NLCS Los Angeles Dodgers over Atlanta Braves (4–3) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2020_NLCS.shtml |access-date=October 21, 2020 |website=Baseball Reference}} In the third game of the 2020 World Series, Buehler picked up the win against the Tampa Bay Rays, striking out 10 in six innings while allowing one earned run on three hits. He was the third-youngest pitcher with 10 or more strikeouts and three or fewer hits in a World Series game, behind only Ed Walsh in 1906 and Josh Beckett in 2003.{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=October 23, 2020 |title=Buehler K's 10 as LA takes 2–1 Series lead |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/world-series-game-3-2020-recap?game_pk=635923 |access-date=October 23, 2020 |website=mlb.com}} The Dodgers won the World Series in six games.{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=October 28, 2020 |title=Wait is over! Dodgers win 1st WS since '88 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-2020-world-series |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

Buehler was eligible for salary arbitration for the first time before the 2021 season. On February 10, he signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers for $8 million.{{Cite web |last=Toribio |first=Juan |date=February 10, 2021 |title=Buehler, Dodgers agree on 2-yr. deal (source) |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-dodgers-deal |website=mlb.com |accessdate=February 11, 2021}} On June 20, Buehler won his seventh game of the season, tying Kirby Higbe for the Dodgers franchise record of 23 consecutive starts without a loss, going back to the 2019 season.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Jesse |date=June 19, 2021 |title=Buehler takes no-no into 8th in 11-K gem |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-takes-no-hitter-into-8th-inning-vs-d-backs?game_pk=633598 |website=MLB.com |accessdate=June 20, 2021}}{{Cite web |title=Baseball {{!}} Player Pitching Streak Finder |url=https://stathead.com/tiny/CZYab |website=Baseball Reference |accessdate=June 20, 2021}} He was a 2021 National League All Star,{{cite web|url=https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/turner-buehler-named-to-national-league-all-star-team-36f4dd1fdaab|title=Turner, Buehler named to National League All-Star team|work=mlb.com|first=Rowan|last=Kavner|date=July 10, 2021|accessdate=July 10, 2021}} and the July 2021 NL Pitcher of the Month.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2021/8/2/22606162/walker-buehler-national-league-pitcher-of-the-month-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news|title=Walker Buehler named National League pitcher of the month|work=SB Nation|first=Blake|last=Harris|date=August 2, 2021|accessdate=August 2, 2021}}

Buehler was 16–4 (.800; 2nd in the NL) in the 2021 regular season, with a 2.47 ERA (3rd) and 212 strikeouts (7th). His 16 wins were 3rd in the league. He gave up 6.458 hits per 9 innings (2nd in the NL), and had a WHIP of 0.968 (4th). Buehler started the first game of the 2021 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, allowing three runs on {{fraction|6|1|3}} innings to take the loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN202110080.shtml|title=2021 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1, Dodgers at Giants, October 8|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 24, 2021}} He then started Game 4 on short rest, the first time he had done that in his career. In the game, he allowed one run on three hits in {{fraction|4|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/12/22723263/walker-buehler-dodgers-pitching-correct-choice-offense-giants-nlds-game-4|title=Walker Buehler proved he was the right choice for Game 4, as Dodgers even NLDS|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=October 12, 2021|accessdate=October 24, 2021}} He struggled in his first start in the 2021 NLCS, allowing four runs on six hits while walking three in {{fraction|3|2|3}} innings in game 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN202110190.shtml|title=2021 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 3, Braves at Dodgers, October 19|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 24, 2021}} He again pitched on short rest in game 6 after Max Scherzer was unable to go, he allowed seven hits and four runs (three of them on a home run by Eddie Rosario) in four innings while striking out six as the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742303/dodgers-season-over-walker-buehler-eddie-rosario-tyler-matzek-braves-nlcs-game-6|title=Dodgers season ends thanks to Eddie Rosario, Tyler Matzek & the Braves|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=October 23, 2021|accessdate=October 24, 2021}}

Buehler made his first Opening Day start on April 8 for the Dodgers against the Rockies.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2022/4/8/23013646/walker-buehler-dodgers-rockies-opening-day-preview|title=Walker Buehler's first of many opening day starts|work=SB Nation|first=Estevão|last=Maximo|date=April 8, 2022|accessdate=April 8, 2022}} He allowed two runs in five innings to record the win.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-opening-day-2022-vs-rockies?game_pk=662933|title=On Opening Day, 1 inning showed what LA is all about|first=Juan|last=Toribio|website=MLB.com |date=April 8, 2022|accessdate=April 8, 2022}} On April 25, he pitched his first career shutout against the Arizona Diamondbacks, striking out 10 batters and allowing only three hits and no walks.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-mlb-first-shutout-complete-game-2022|title=Lights-out Buehler throws MLB's first CG of 2022|first=Jake|last=Rill|work=mlb.com|date=April 26, 2022|accessdate=April 26, 2022}} Buehler made 12 starts for the Dodgers in 2022, with a 6–3 record and 4.02 ERA. He left a game with the Giants on June 10 because of discomfort in his pitching elbow, and had arthroscopic surgery in June to remove bone spurs in his elbow.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-06-10/walker-buehler-leaves-early-elbow-discomfort-dodgers-fall-to-giants|title=Dodgers fall to Giants as Walker Buehler leaves early because of elbow discomfort|newspaper=LA Times|first=Jack|last=Harris|date=June 10, 2022|accessdate=August 15, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2022/8/23/23319108/walker-buehler-tommy-john-surgery-flexor-tendon-repair-dodgers|title=Walker Buehler has second Tommy John surgery, and flexor tendon repair|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=August 23, 2022|website=True Blue LA}}

This eventually resulted in him undergoing season-ending surgery on his right arm in August 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-08-15/dodgers-pitcher-walker-buehler-undergo-season-ending-surgery|title=Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery|newspaper=LA Times|first=Jack|last=Harris|date=August 15, 2022|accessdate=August 15, 2022}} After his surgery was performed, the Dodgers announced that Buehler underwent both his second Tommy John surgery in which his ulnar collateral ligament was replaced, as well as flexor tendon repair, likely keeping him sidelined until the 2024 season.{{Cite web |last=Passan |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Passan |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Dodgers' Buehler has 2nd Tommy John surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34449161/los-angeles-dodgers-walker-buehler-second-tommy-john-surgery |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2022/8/23/23319108/walker-buehler-tommy-john-surgery-flexor-tendon-repair-dodgers|title=Walker Buehler has second Tommy John surgery, and flexor tendon repair|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=August 23, 2022|accessdate=August 23, 2022}} Despite his injury, the Dodgers signed him to an $8.025 million contract for the 2023 season to avoid salary arbitration.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2023/1/13/23544077/walker-buehler-dodgers-contract-salary-arbitration-2023|title=Dodgers, Walker Buehler avoid salary arbitration, per reports|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=January 13, 2023|accessdate=January 13, 2023}}

Buehler and the Dodgers initially hoped he would be able to rejoin the team in September and possibly for the postseason. However, after one two-inning minor league rehab appearance the team announced that he would not return in 2023 and hoped to be back for the start of the 2024 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-09-08/dodgers-announce-walker-buehler-will-not-return-this-season|title=

Dodgers announce Walker Buehler will not return this season|newspaper=LA Times|first=Jack|last=Harris|date=September 8, 2023|accessdate=September 8, 2023}}

After missing all of the 2023 season, Buehler signed a one-year, $8.025 million contract for 2024 in his final year of arbitration, matching his salary from the previous season.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2024/1/11/24033230/dodgers-walker-buehler-2024-salary-arbitration|title=Dodgers sign Walker Buehler for $8.025 million to avoid salary arbitration, per reports|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=January 11, 2024|accessdate=January 11, 2024}} Buehler was activated from the injured list on May 6 and made his first start in almost two years.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-05-06/walker-buehler-dodgers-return-second-tommy-john-surgery|title='Ownership of the game': Former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler is ready to return|newspaper=LA Times|date=May 6, 2024|first=Jack|last=Harris|accessdate=May 6, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/walker-buehler-makes-return-from-tommy-john-surgery?game_pk=746149|title=Happier, healthy Buehler returns after nearly 2 years|work=mlb.com|first=Juan|last=Toribio|date=May 6, 2024|accessdate=May 7, 2024}}

In the weeks after returning from his injury, Buehler struggled and recorded a 5.84 ERA in 37 innings pitched. After a rough outing on June 18 in which he surrendered seven earned runs in four innings to the Colorado Rockies, Buehler returned to the injured list with a hip injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/39251/walker-buehler|title=Walker Buehler 2024 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB|work=ESPN|date=June 20, 2024|accessdate=June 20, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=June 19, 2024 |title=Dodgers' Walker Buehler back on IL with right hip inflammation |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40390047/dodgers-walker-buehler-back-il-right-hip-inflammation |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} Concerned about his performance, Buehler left the team to work out by himself at a private sports facility in Florida{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5652221/2024/07/23/dodgers-walker-buehler-florida/|title=Walker Buehler explains why 'I needed to be somewhere else' and away from the Dodgers|work=The Athletic|first=Fabian|last=Ardaya|date=July 23, 2024|accessdate=August 15, 2024}} before rejoining Oklahoma City for another rehab stint, with mixed results.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2024/8/8/24216480/walker-buehler-rehab-start-dodgers|title=Walker Buehler retires 13 straight, pitches into 6th in likely final rehab start|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=August 8, 2024|accessdate=August 15, 2024}} The Dodgers activated him on August 14 for his first major league start in almost two months, and he again struggled, leading him to say that he was not meeting his standard of performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-struggles-in-first-start-off-injured-list|title=Buehler hard on himself after struggling in return from IL|work=mlb.com|first=Tim|last=Stebbins|date=August 14, 2024|accessdate=August 15, 2024}} He remained in the Dodgers rotation the rest of the season due to the remaining starters being mainly injured, making 16 starts and finishing with a 1–6 record and 5.38 ERA.

Buehler made his first postseason start since 2021 in Game 3 of the NLDS, allowing six runs on seven hits in five innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN202410080.shtml|title=2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 3, Dodgers at Padres, October 8|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 27, 2024}} He did a better job in his next start, Game 3 of the NLCS, when he struck out six in four scoreless innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN202410160.shtml|title=2024 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 3, Dodgers at Mets, October 16|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 27, 2024}} In Game 3 of the World Series, he struck out five while only allowing two hits in five scoreless innings, picking up the win.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-world-series-game-3-2024?game_pk=775298|title=Buehler, Freeman power Dodgers to cusp of World Series title|work=mlb.com|first=Anthony|last=Castrovince|date=October 28, 2024|accessdate=October 28, 2024}} In Game 5, Buehler pitched the ninth inning on only one day of rest, inducing a groundout and then striking out the final two batters of the game to pick up his first career Major League save as the Dodgers clinched the World Series championship for the eighth time.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-beat-yankees-win-2024-world-series|title=Dodgers 'hit every speed bump possible' on way to title|first=Juan|last=Toribio|date=October 31, 2024|accessdate=October 31, 2024|work=mlb.com}}

On December 28, 2024, Buehler signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox for $21.05 million, plus incentives.{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Ian |date=December 28, 2024 |title=World Series hero Buehler, Red Sox finalize 1-year deal |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/walker-buehler-contract-with-red-sox |access-date=December 28, 2024 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

Buehler has heard the famous roll call scene from the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off many times throughout his life.{{Cite web |last=Clair |first=Michael |date=April 16, 2019 |title=Walker Buehler to get Ferris Bueller bobblehead |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/walker-buehler-to-get-ferris-bueller-bobblehead |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=MLB.com}} Buehler embraced the nickname "Ferris," incorporating it into his Twitter handle and wearing it on his jersey during the 2018 MLB Players Weekend.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=August 9, 2018 |title=Dodgers' nicknames for Players' Weekend |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-nicknames-for-2018-players-weekend-c289583540 |access-date=August 5, 2021 |website=MLB.com}} He chose to wear the nickname "Buetane"{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=August 18, 2019 |title=All of the Dodgers' Players' Weekend nicknames |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-players-weekend-nicknames |access-date=September 3, 2019 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} for the 2019 MLB Players Weekend.{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2019 |title=Every team's Players' Weekend nicknames |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-mlb-players-weekend-nicknames |access-date=September 3, 2019 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

Buehler is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, the "Horse Capital of the World," home to the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile and Keeneland race courses, and grew up a big fan of horse racing. He has a minority ownership stake in 2020 Kentucky Derby and 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Authentic, trained by Bob Baffert.{{Cite web |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |date=September 5, 2020 |title=Giddyup: Buehler has share in Derby winner |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-dodgers-authentic-kentucky-derby |access-date=November 7, 2020 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} Buehler attended the 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic.{{Cite web |last=Borelli |first=Matt |date=November 9, 2020 |title=Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Part-Owner Of 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic Winner 'Authentic' |url=https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-walker-buehler-part-owner-breeders-cup-classic-winner-authentic/2020/11/09/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=Dodger Blue |language=en-US}}

Buehler is married to McKenzie Marcinek, whom he began dating in high school. The couple reside in Lexington.{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2020 |title=5 Facts on Walker Buehler's partner, McKenzie Marcinek |url=https://offthefieldnews.com/mckenzie-marcinek/ |access-date=September 10, 2021 |website=Off The Field}}

{{Portal|Biography|Kentucky|Baseball}}

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• 2014 NCAA Division I baseball tournament
• 2014 Vanderbilt Commodores baseball team
• List of Los Angeles Dodgers no-hitters
• List of Major League Baseball no-hitters
• List of World Series starting pitchers
• Los Angeles Dodgers award winners and league leaders

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{{Baseballstats|mlb=621111|espn=39251|br=b/buehlwa01|fangraphs=19374|brm=buehle000wal|retro=B/Pbuehw001}}

• [http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/walker_buehler_818286.html Vanderbilt Commodores profile]
• {{Twitter|buehlersdayoff|Walker Buehler}}

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{{succession box|title= No-hit game|before=Sean Manaea|years=May 4, 2018
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{{Succession box| before = Jacob deGrom | title = National League Pitcher of the Month| years = July 2021 | after = Adam Wainwright}}

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Category:1994 births

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