Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Corey Seager and Walker Buehler were Los Angeles Dodgers from 2017-2021, during which they were both part of four separate postseason runs, including reaching the World Series in 2018 and 2020.
Also in that time was Seager witnessing firsthand what Buehler is capable of when the calendar flips to October. Buehler has a career 3.04 ERA in 94.2 postseason innings and was most dominant in 2020 when he helped the Dodgers end the franchise’s championship drought.
During a recent appearance on Dodger Talk with host David Vassegh, Seager praised his former teammate for rising to the occasion in Game 5 of the World Series and recalled having the utmost trust in Buehler:
“He deserved that moment. That guy’s been through a lot. To be able to come back and compete, that’s the guy you want on the mound. When we were playing together, that’s the guy we always wanted on the mound. He’s a special person and the right guy for that spot.
“He absolutely is made for October. If there’s a game you need to win, that’s the guy you want on the mound.”
Seager is correct in remembering Bueheler as one the Dodgers’ most effective big-game pitchers since establishing himself in their rotation as a rookie in 2018. It seemingly doesn’t even need to be a playoff game, the calendar only needs to read October in order to bring the best out of Buehler.
The poise Buehler carries within himself on the mound has been evident since 2018, when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts trusted him in Game 163 against the Colorado Rockies with the National League West on the line.
Buehler responded with 6.2 scoreless innings as the Dodgers defeated the Rockies to win their sixth consecutive division title.
However, Buehler is seemingly at his best when the lights are brightest and the pressure is highest. In four World Series appearances, he has a 2-0 record with an ERA of 0.47, 24 strikeouts and one save over 19 innings.
Walker Buehler free agency interest
While it’s presumed the Dodgers would want to re-sign Buehler, he’s reportedly drawn interest from the New York Yankees and the feeling is said to be mutual.
Buehler additionally turned away the Athletics amid not having any desire to spend multiple seasons playing in Sacramento.
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