Walker Buehler, who sealed his reputation with the Los Angeles Dodgers during last year’s World Series, is gearing up for his first start against his former team in the season finale this Sunday. Now with the Boston Red Sox, Buehler faces a unique challenge pitching against the Dodgers, a team he helped bring a championship to just months ago. This matchup holds added significance as the Red Sox and Dodgers conclude their three-game series.
Background on Buehler’s Move and Season Performance
Buehler spent his entire professional career with the Dodgers before signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with Boston in the offseason. Despite his success in the 2024 postseason, his 2025 campaign has been marked by inconsistency. Over 17 starts, he has posted a 5.72 ERA in 85 innings, with a mixed record of six quality starts offset by seven outings with four or more earned runs allowed. While flashes of his former dominance appeared in October, regular season struggles have persisted this year.
Facing Familiar Opponents and Maintaining Routine Amidst Emotions
Buehler’s experience with the Dodgers gives him insight into many of the players he will face on Sunday. His career stats against several key Los Angeles hitters include Freddie Freeman, who is 1-for-8 with one home run off Buehler, and Michael Conforto, who is 2-for-9 with a homer. Others like Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Mookie Betts have yet to record hits against him.
Despite these emotions and familiarity, Buehler intends to keep his preparation unchanged. Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, he said,
“I think you just try and keep it as normal as you can. Obviously, it’ll be a little awkward or funny, or whatever. At the end of the day, we’re all playing a sport for paychecks and the goal is to go and get one over on them. I don’t think preparation-wise, anything is really different.”
—Walker Buehler, pitcher
He also shared a lighthearted moment about competing against familiar faces, stating,
“It’ll be interesting. I was kind of one of the last of the wave coming up there, so I kind of got little bits and pieces of it, playing against Joc, Belli and Corey. So it’ll be nine of those for me, I guess, but it should be fun. Kersh and I were joking yesterday we should’ve tried to line each other up. It’ll be a fun weekend.”
—Walker Buehler, pitcher
Celebrating Buehler’s Championship Legacy with Dodgers
Before the series began, Buehler was honored with his 2024 World Series ring and an MLB Gold Program jersey by his former teammates including Clayton Kershaw, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman. This ceremony followed a tradition for players like Jack Flaherty, Ryan Brasier, and Joe Kelly, who received their championship rings after leaving the Dodgers. The presentation was a meaningful reminder of Buehler’s contribution to the Dodgers’ championship run despite the current rivalry on the mound.
Implications and Outlook for the Season Finale Showdown
This Sunday’s game is more than just a routine start; it marks a meaningful chapter in Walker Buehler’s career as he competes against the team where he established himself as a dominant right-hander. For the Red Sox and Dodgers, this finale offers a competitive conclusion to their series while adding personal stakes for Buehler. His ability to manage the emotional backdrop and maintain focus could influence the outcome for Boston.
With his strong familiarity of Los Angeles hitters and an intense desire to perform, Buehler’s debut against the Dodgers this season is sure to draw attention not only for its sporting significance but also for the personal narrative it carries. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Buehler can recapture his peak form and make a statement in this pivotal matchup.