Walker Buehler will be on the mound Saturday night in NLCS Game 6 with the Dodgers‘ season on the line against the Braves. The team announced Saturday morning that Buehler would be getting the nod over Max Scherzer, who said his arm felt “dead” following his Game 2 start. The Los Angeles Times reported Friday night that Scherzer would not start Game 6, as previously planned.
The Dodgers trail the Braves, 3-2, in the best-of-seven series and need to win two consecutive games in Atlanta if they’re going to win the NL pennant for the second year in a row. Buehler will be starting on short rest at Truist Park. He pitched Game 3 on Tuesday, allowing four runs (two earned) in 3 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. Buehler was sharp through the first three innings against Atlanta, but things unraveled for him in the fourth inning after a misplay by center fielder Gavin Lux.
Buehler, a Cy Young candidate, was dominant in the regular season. The righty had a 2.47 ERA (165 ERA+) and struck out 212 batters in 207 2/3 inning (33 starts). Saturday night will be the 27-year-old’s 15th career postseason start.
Buehler was originally slated to pitch in Sunday’s Game 7 on regular rest. It seems likely the Dodgers would use a bullpen game with an all-hands-on-deck approach if they force a decisive Game 7. Scherzer’s availability remains unclear. The Dodgers also added veteran lefty David Price to their NLCS roster ahead of Game 6.
Game 6 is set to start at 8:08 p.m. ET, with right-hander Ian Anderson on the mound for the Braves. Here’s how to watch.
