Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Saturday, but it’s never too early to look ahead.
Speculation regarding the Dodgers pitching situation has been in the minds of fans since the matchup with the Yankees was set. The Dodgers who hold a 1-0 series lead after Friday’s dramatic walk-off grand slam from Freddie Freeman, have used a couple of bullpen games in the postseason thus far.
But despite some theories, that’s not the direction L.A. will go in Game 3 of the World Series in the Bronx. Walker Buehler, the 30-year-old right hander is set to get the nod at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.
Buehler has started two games this postseason, posting 6 runs given up in nine innings pitched. It’ll be his third-career World Series start.
As a rookie, he was brilliant against the Boston Red Sox in 2018, pitching seven shutout innings in the Dodgers’ lone win of the series. He earned a win against the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series behind 10 strikeouts in six innings pitched, giving up just 1 run.
The decision to start Buehler in Game 3 will make him available to pitch a potential Game 7 against the Yankees, if necessary, the Dodgers said. If the series were to go the distance, Game 7 would take place on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers didn’t announce a starter for Game 4, but presumably fans could expect to see another bullpen game at Yankee Stadium.
