PHILADELPHIA -- Walker Buehler joked last week that he is so new to the Phillies that he almost felt like a member of the media as his teammates celebrated the National League East title in Los Angeles.
But Buehler is getting more comfortable.
He pitched five scoreless innings in Thursday night’s 1-0 victory over the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. He allowed three hits and three walks. He hit a batter and struck out two. He didn’t have his best stuff, but he competed.
“The way I’ve always thought about the game is when you’re not good, you should still be able to be good,” Buehler said. “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.”
Buehler has a 0.66 ERA (one earned run in 13 2/3 innings) in three appearances for the Phillies, including two starts. He has allowed 10 hits, six walks, two hit batters and struck out eight. It’s been a solid turnaround after the Red Sox released him in late August after he went 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts).
“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 the favorite to be the Phillies’ No. 4 starter in the postseason, if the club advances to the National League Championship Series. But Buehler is a strong bet to make the postseason roster.
“He’s in a real good position right now,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said before the 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 has pitched 94 2/3 career innings in the postseason, posting a 3.04 ERA. He got the final outs of the 2024 World Series, pitching out of the bullpen. His experience could help.
“He doesn’t scare,” Thomson said.
Buehler is preparing for all possibilities. After he threw 74 pitches (44 strikes) in five innings on Thursday, he walked to the bullpen to simulate two more innings of work. It’s something often seen in Spring Training but not in the regular season.
“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.”
Right-hander Taijuan Walker pitched two scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit and two walks and striking out three. Walker, like Buehler, is looking to make the postseason roster as a reliever.
“It’s above my pay grade, man,” Buehler said, when asked if he thinks he could start in the postseason. “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.”