Walker Buehler is finding his place with the Philadelphia Phillies as the team prepares for the postseason. After joining the Phillies late in the season, Buehler pitched five scoreless innings in a 1-0 win over the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday night. He allowed three hits and three walks, hit one batter, and struck out two.
Buehler commented on his performance, saying, “The way I’ve always thought about the game is when you’re not good, you should still be able to be good. But given the last two years, it’s a little bit harder for me to deal with. But I think in some way a night like tonight for me is a huge step forward and something that I can build off of.”
Since joining Philadelphia after being released by Boston in late August, Buehler has made three appearances—two as a starter—and posted a 0.66 ERA over 13 2/3 innings. He has given up 10 hits, six walks, hit two batters, and struck out eight. This marks an improvement from his time with Boston earlier this year.
“I just think the delivery has a lot more margin for error,” Buehler said. “The sequencing — both catchers have done a great job with me in terms of how I see it and how I see myself being successful. Giving me a chance to be successful. Kind of marrying those two things together I think has been really good for me.”
Aaron Nola remains likely to be the Phillies’ fourth starter if they advance to the National League Championship Series, but Buehler’s recent outings have strengthened his case for inclusion on the postseason roster.
“He’s in a real good position right now,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said before Thursday’s game. “Just make sure that he’s healthy, No. 1, and that he’s commanding the baseball, especially the fastball. He can get right-handed hitters out.”
Buehler brings postseason experience to Philadelphia; he has pitched nearly 95 innings in playoff games with a career postseason ERA of 3.04 and recorded the final outs of last year’s World Series while pitching out of the bullpen.
“He doesn’t scare,” Thomson said.
To prepare for potential playoff roles—either as a starter or reliever—Buehler threw extra pitches after leaving Thursday’s game to simulate additional innings.
“Every pitch in the playoffs is a little bit more,” Buehler explained. “I think if you throw 100 during the regular season, you’re ready to throw 75 or 80 in the playoffs. You know, I’ve always tried to either find some athleticism in my throw when I’ve been good throughout September, or build up to the point that fatigue-wise I feel like I can throw 85 pitches as much as I can.”
Taijuan Walker also contributed two scoreless relief innings against Miami as he tries to secure his own spot on Philadelphia’s postseason roster.
“It’s above my pay grade, man,” Buehler said about possibly starting in October games. “I’m here to win a world title, and whatever piece I can be in that — from a starting pitcher to a cheerleader — I really don’t care. I haven’t been here really long, but I’ve really enjoyed this team. Next time we celebrate, I want to feel like I was a part of it. Whatever they ask me to do.”
