MLB Lines: Walker Buehler’s Stolen Watch Incident

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Walker Buehler’s Stolen Watch Incident Adds Extra Edge to Dodgers vs Padres Showdown

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is set to take the mound in Game 3 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, but an off-field incident may be weighing on his mind ahead of this critical matchup. 

According to reports, Buehler had his watch stolen while visiting Santa Anita Park in Southern California, just days before his scheduled start. Despite the distraction, Buehler remains on track to pitch what could be one of the most pivotal games of the Dodgers’ postseason.

The series between the Dodgers and Padres is tied 1-1, with Game 3 being held in San Diego. Coming off a tough regular season, Buehler will look to guide the Dodgers closer to the NLCS in what has already been a heated series. 

With tempers flaring in Game 2 and both teams having a history of fierce competition, this upcoming game is shaping up to be crucial in determining which team will gain the upper hand in MLB Lines.

Walker Buehler Robbed Ahead of NLDS Game 3

Reports from several witnesses revealed that Buehler was robbed of his watch while walking through Santa Anita Park with his wife, McKenzie. A group of people surrounded the couple, and during the confusion, someone allegedly unbuttoned Buehler’s shirt sleeve and stole his watch. 

The Dodgers have yet to state the incident, but it does not appear to affect Buehler’s ability to start in Game 3 and the MLB lines for the Dodgers.

This incident occurred when Buehler was already under pressure to perform. After missing significant time due to Tommy John surgery and enduring a rocky season, the veteran pitcher has been tasked with helping the Dodgers recover from their Game 2 loss. While the robbery adds an unexpected challenge, Buehler must maintain his focus to help the Dodgers take the series lead.

Dodgers vs. Padres: Rivalry Intensifies

The Dodgers and Padres have a storied rivalry, and the intensity has only increased during this NLDS. After an intense Game 1 victory for the Dodgers, the Padres stormed back in Game 2 with a dominating 10-2 win, setting the stage for a high-stakes Game 3. The teams have battled on the scoreboard and exchanged heated words, most notably between Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty and Padres third baseman Manny Machado.

In Game 2, after Flaherty struck out Machado, the two players exchanged heated words caught on camera. Machado, visibly frustrated after the at-bat, seemed to invite Flaherty to “meet outside” between innings. 

Though tensions didn’t escalate beyond that moment, it certainly fueled the rivalry. Machado downplayed the incident in post-game interviews, acknowledging the intensity of postseason baseball and crediting Flaherty for making good pitches.

Flaherty echoed those sentiments, explaining that emotions run high in the playoffs and acknowledging the competitive nature of both teams. However, the heated exchange has added another layer to an already fierce rivalry, and the tension is expected to carry over into Game 3 and beyond.

As The Series Shifts to San Diego, Emotions Run High

Both teams will seek an edge with the series moving to San Diego. The Padres’ victory in Game 2 showed their ability to respond after a challenging Game 1 loss, and they will look to continue that momentum in front of their home crowd. Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. also contributed to the intensity of Game 2, blowing a kiss to Dodgers fans after the Padres broke the game open in the eighth inning.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, will be counting on Buehler to bring his A-game and help them regain control of the series. Buehler has been a clutch performer in previous postseasons but has struggled this year with a 5.38 ERA.