What Happened to Walker Anthony Buehler?
Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star pitcher, has faced significant challenges due to two Tommy John surgeries, the second in 2022, which derailed his elite performance. After struggling in 2024 with the Dodgers and a disappointing 2025 season split between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, he signed with the San Diego Padres in 2026 and is currently working to regain his dominant form, showing recent signs of improvement.
Quick Answer
Walker Buehler is currently pitching for the San Diego Padres, having signed a minor league deal in February 2026 and earning a spot in their starting rotation. After a challenging 2024 and 2025 season following his second Tommy John surgery in 2022, Buehler has made three starts for the Padres in 2026, posting a 4.97 ERA across 12.2 innings. He recently delivered a quality start on April 10, 2026, against the Colorado Rockies, signaling a potential return to form as he continues to work on his command and delivery.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Signed with Dodgers, Underwent First Tommy John Surgery
After being drafted 24th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Buehler signed and then underwent his first Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament.
MLB Debut with Los Angeles Dodgers
Buehler made his Major League Baseball debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching two scoreless innings of relief against the Colorado Rockies.
First MLB All-Star Selection
Buehler earned his first career MLB All-Star selection, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
Wins First World Series with Dodgers
Walker Buehler played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series championship season.
Second MLB All-Star Selection and All-MLB First Team
Buehler had an outstanding season, earning his second All-Star nod and being named to the All-MLB First Team, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting.
Undergoes Second Tommy John Surgery
Buehler underwent his second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, along with a flexor tendon repair, ending his 2022 season and ruling him out for most, if not all, of 2023.
Returns to MLB after Second Tommy John Surgery
After a lengthy rehabilitation, Buehler made his first MLB start since June 2022, returning to the Dodgers' rotation against the Miami Marlins.
Clinches Second World Series for Dodgers with a Save
Despite a challenging regular season (5.38 ERA), Buehler closed out Game 5 of the World Series with a save, securing the Dodgers' second championship of his career.
Signs with Boston Red Sox
Buehler elected free agency and signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
Released by Boston Red Sox
After struggling with a 5.45 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) for the Red Sox, Buehler was released by the team.
Signs Minor League Deal with Philadelphia Phillies
Shortly after his release from Boston, Buehler signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Signs Minor League Deal with San Diego Padres
Buehler signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres and was invited to spring training, seeking another opportunity to re-establish himself.
Makes Padres Opening Day Roster
After a strong spring training performance, Buehler earned a spot in the San Diego Padres' starting rotation for the 2026 season.
Records First Quality Start with Padres
Buehler delivered his first quality start for the Padres, pitching six scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies, showing signs of improved command and effectiveness.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Walker Buehler's career has been a testament to both immense talent and the relentless challenge of pitching injuries. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015, he quickly ascended through the ranks despite undergoing his first Tommy John surgery shortly after being drafted. He made his MLB debut in 2017 and rapidly established himself as one of the league's premier pitchers, earning two All-Star selections (2019, 2021) and playing a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory.
The most significant turning point in Buehler's career came in August 2022 when he underwent his second Tommy John surgery, along with a flexor tendon repair, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of 2022 and all of 2023. His return in 2024 with the Dodgers was met with anticipation, but his performance was a shadow of his former self, posting a 5.38 ERA in 16 appearances. Despite these struggles, he notably recorded the final three outs of the 2024 World Series, securing another championship for the Dodgers.
Following the 2024 season, Buehler elected free agency and signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. His 2025 season continued to be disappointing, as he posted a 5.45 ERA over 22 starts with Boston before being released in late August. He then signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched in a few games with a much-improved 0.66 ERA, though in a limited sample size.
In February 2026, Buehler signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, aiming for a fresh start. He impressed during spring training, earning a spot in the Padres' Opening Day rotation. His 2026 season began with mixed results, including a rough first two starts, but he showed significant progress on April 10, 2026, by throwing six scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies, his first quality start as a Padre. As of April 17, 2026, Buehler continues to be a part of the Padres' rotation, with an 11:5 K:BB ratio and a 4.97 ERA across 12.2 innings through three starts, working closely with the coaching staff to refine his delivery and command in his ongoing effort to return to his elite form.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Walker Anthony Buehler made different choices?