Walker Buehler Says Clayton Kershaw Served as Inspiration for Dodgers World Series Save
11/23/2024 03:00 PM
When Walker Buehler jogged out to the bullpen during Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, the scene was reminiscent of Clayton Kershaw years before.
In fact, that is exactly who inspired Buehler.
“For me, honestly, the first thing I said was ‘what would 22 do?” Buehler told Mookie Betts during an episode of the outfielder’s On Base podcast. “Twenty-two would be out there and he was hurt and all that sh-t so I guess I had to f—ing do it.”
Buehler’s delivery of his answer had Betts laughing and reliever Brent Honeywell poking fun, but for Buehler, it was an honest answer.
The right-hander’s former teammate, Corey Seager, praised his heroics while speaking on Dodger Talk recently.
"(Walker Buehler) deserved that moment [striking out Alex Verdugo to close the World Series],” Seager said. “You know, that guy’s been through a lot. To come back and compete, that’s the guy you want on the mound. When we were playing together, that was the guy we always wanted on the mound.
"He’s a special person and the right guy for that spot. … He is absolutely made for October. If there’s a game you need to win, that’s the guy you want on the mound."
Buehler was on a thrill ride throughout the 2024 season going from fearing his own release to closing out the World Series in an epic come-from-behind victory. He finished the regular season 1-6 over 16 starts with a 5.38 ERA and 1.292 WHIP.
When the lights of the postseason turned on, Buehler flipped a switch too.
However, he is a free agent this winter and after spending his entire career with the Dodgers, there is a possibility that he will sign elsewhere.
The Dodgers selected Buehler with the 24th overall pick out of Vanderbilt in the 2015 MLB Draft. Following his signing, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Buehler made his MLB debut in 2017 and became a regular in the rotation by 2018.
Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2023 season due to a second Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair performed in August 2022. There’s still a possibility Buehler could return to Los Angeles next season, but other teams around the league have expressed interest in the right-hander this offseason.
More news: Blockbuster Trade the Dodgers Need to Make Coming Off Their 2024 World Series Win
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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