Full Breakdown
Walker Buehler’s First Victory Over Former Dodgers as a Padre
6/28/2026, 12:01:18 AM
Game Summary
On June 26, 2026, at Petco Park, San Diego defeated Los Angeles 7–1 to open a three-game NL West series. Right-hander Walker Buehler (5-3) worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, three walks and striking out five. He was removed after 74 pitches; the Padres bullpen completed the win. Ty France supplied a three-run homer in the second inning, and the Padres added four runs in the eighth.
Background & Context
Buehler spent 2017-2022 with the Dodgers, earning two All-Star selections and two World Series rings (2020, 2024). Two Tommy John surgeries and a 2024 season decline led the Dodgers to decline a qualifying offer, after which Buehler signed a one-year, $1.5 million minor-league deal with San Diego in February 2026. He posted a 5-3 record with a 3.96 ERA (some outlets list 3.81 ERA) and a 3.28 FIP, posting a 1.71 ERA across five June starts.
Key Figures
- Walker Buehler – Padres starter, former Dodgers ace.
- Craig Stammen – Padres manager.
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager.
- Roki Sasaki – Dodgers starter, former Japanese phenom.
- Ty France – Padres first baseman, three-run homer provider.
- Mookie Betts – Dodgers outfielder, solo-homer scorer.
- Max Muncy – Dodgers third baseman, quoted on Buehler’s command.
Data & Statistics
- Buehler: 5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 5 SO, 3 BB, 74 P.
- Padres: 43-37 record after win; Dodgers: 52-30.
- Series: Dodgers entered with a nine-game NL West lead; Padres narrowed the gap to eight games.
- June: Buehler’s ERA 1.71, 65 K in 72.2 IP, home-run rate cut in half.
- Sasaki: 4 IP, 3 R, 5 BB, 2 K; 5-walks contributed to a 4.76 ERA.
Official Statements & Responses
Buehler emphasized respect for his former club while stating his goal to “beat everyone, especially in the division.” Stammen praised Buehler’s professionalism and noted the pitcher “was pitching great tonight.” Roberts acknowledged Buehler’s motivation, saying the Dodgers knew he “would love nothing more than to shove it up our you-know-what.” Muncy highlighted the quality of Buehler’s command during the outing.
Criticism & Opposition
Stammen expressed displeasure at the early hook, noting the decision was “not happy on the mound” but accepted. Analysts pointed to Buehler’s limited pitch count as a caution given his injury history. Sasaki’s command issues contrasted sharply with Buehler’s efficiency, underscoring the Dodgers’ pitching vulnerability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Buehler’s season ERA (3.96 vs. 3.81) and FIP (3.28 vs. 3.96). No consensus exists on the exact number of walks issued before his removal (three vs. one). These discrepancies reflect varying statistical updates across outlets.
Why It Matters
The win provides the Padres with a morale boost and stabilizes a rotation weakened by injuries. Buehler’s resurgence offers a credible ace for San Diego, narrowing the Dodgers’ division lead and adding psychological weight to a rivalry that has long favored Los Angeles.
What’s Next
The series continues on June 27 with Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5, 2.65 ERA) facing Padres starter Randy Vásquez (6-5, 4.17 ERA).
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have no bad blood against that organization,” — Walker Buehler, pitcher.
- “He would love nothing more than to shove it up our you know what.” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager.
- “I've got nothing but great things to say about Walker and how he's performed.” — Craig Stammen, Padres manager.
- “His command was really good tonight,” — Max Muncy, Dodgers third baseman.
