The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday thanks to a dominant shutout performance from Walker Buehler. Buehler was electric throughout the contest, limiting Arizona to just 3 hits while striking out 10. There was growing discussion towards the 8th and 9th inning as to if manager Dave Roberts would allow Buehler to remain in the game after he previously removed Clayton Kershaw with just 80 pitches in a perfect game bid.
But Walker Buehler would have none of that. The Dodgers' star reportedly shared a strong 7-word message in the 8th inning to Dave Roberts about staying in the game until completion.
“I’m not coming out of this game.”
Walker Buehler wanted his complete game shutdown.
His desire to stay on the mound helped make the decision for Dave Roberts. However, Roberts also shared after the game that Buehler was on a 110 pitch limit. That means that he would have let Buehler return for the 9th even if he hadn't stated his feelings in such a blunt manner.
Roberts endured plenty of criticism earlier in the season for removing Clayton Kershaw in the midst of a perfect game. But Kershaw had a late start in preparing for the 2022 campaign and endured an injury-plagued 2021 season. Buehler is in the prime of his career and has maintained good health. Allowing Buehler to throw more pitches simply made more sense.
Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw will look to keep dominating on the mound moving forward as the Dodgers aim to continue playing at a high level.
LA faces the Diamondbacks once again on Tuesday in Arizona.