The San Diego Padres continue to benefit from Walker Buehler’s resurgence, and the veteran right-hander explained why leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers became the move he needed.
Buehler spent most of his career with the Dodgers, helping the franchise win multiple championships before injuries changed his path. After Tommy John surgery and uneven stretches, he entered free agency searching for a clearer opportunity and a fresh role.
That decision has worked well in 2026. Buehler has become one of the Padres’ most dependable starters while helping keep the club in the National League West race. His latest comments arrived after another reminder of what he can still provide.
Following Friday night’s win over Los Angeles, The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Annie Heilbrunn shared an interview on X, formerly Twitter, in which the veteran explained why the timing made sense.
“Walker Buehler on why leaving the #Dodgers was the right decision for him at the time:”
Walker Buehler on why leaving the #Dodgers was the right decision for him at the time: pic.twitter.com/u0wgqlGdT0
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) June 27, 2026
In the interview, Buehler acknowledged that his standing had changed after his injuries:
“I wasn’t in a spot competitively to think that I would make a team or for sure have the role that I had always had, and you know, I think at the end of the day it was just kind of time for me to move on.”
Rather than express bitterness, the 31-year-old pitcher framed the decision as a practical reality. He said there was no bad blood with the organization and understood the business side of roster construction.
His words carried more impact because they came after he held the Dodgers to one run over 5 1/3 innings in San Diego’s 7-1 victory at Petco Park. The outing reinforced his career revival after stops with Boston and Philadelphia.
For the Padres, Buehler’s honesty reflects growth and redemption. His fresh start has strengthened the rotation while showing that even an accomplished career can find new life.
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