Dodgers manager praises Walker Buehler's NLCS outing after prior struggles in return from Tommy John surgery

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NEW YORK, NY – Walker Buehler's regular season couldn't have gone much worse following a return from Tommy John surgery, but on Wednesday night, he looked like his old self.

The 30-year-old Buehler, who was once probably considered the ace of this Los Angeles Dodgers staff, sans Clayton Kershaw, pitched to a career-worst 5.38 ERA in 16 starts this year.

With other injuries to the Dodgers rotation, including Kerhsaw, Buehler was tabbed as a starter almost out of necessity.

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Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during Game 3 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in New York, New York.  (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

His first postseason start was a microcosm of his regular season: bad. He allowed six earned runs in five innings against the San Diego Padres in what could have been his final outing of the season.

But L.A. won that series in five games, and the Dodgers tabbed Buehler as their starter for Game 3 of the NLCS.

Short of pitch count and innings, he did not disappoint. He struck out Francisco Lindor with the bases loaded in the second inning, and was able to grind out four scoreless frames, even if it took him 90 pitches.

From where he's been this entire season, and even as recently as just last week, manager Dave Roberts is quite impressed with Buehler's turnaround.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (21) reacts after an out against the New York Mets in the second inning during game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field.