Former Dodgers World Series hero finding success with rival team
Walker Buehler closing out a World Series clincher for the Dodgers wasn’t an accident – Dave Roberts trusted him with the final three outs, and Buehler delivered a 1-2-3 ninth with two strikeouts to seal the title. That’s the résumé. Now he’s wearing Padres colors and starting to look comfortable doing damage to the same league he used to headline.
He is helping the Padres compete in arguably the toughest division in MLB, and doing so against his former team. MORE: 5 MLB players who should be traded during 2026 season Padres Stay Red Hot with Perfect Homestand Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Walker Buehler (10) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images San Diego just ran a perfect 7-0 homestand, swept the Mariners, and pushed its winning streak to eight.
The Padres put up four runs early off defensive mistakes and timely hitting, then Buehler carried them through the middle with strikeouts and enough command, avoiding the big inning that always seems to plague Walker. When he exited in the sixth with a 4-0 lead, four relievers finished it, with Mason Miller striking out the side in the ninth for his sixth save. Buehler Delivers a Veteran Performance Buehler earned his first win as a Padre, going five-plus innings, allowing two runs, and striking out seven.
Now that’s not dominance, mind you, but it’s quality work from a veteran arm. This is why Buehler is now a legitimate storyline in San Diego. He isn’t being asked to be the ace every night.
He’s being asked to control the game long enough for the Padres’ depth to win it. And right now, that formula equals winning baseball. Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Walker Buehler (10) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park.