Although Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was disappointed his team’s position players were widely left out from the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, he reveled in the pitching staff having a strong presence.
Hyun-Jin Ryu was a virtual lock to earn his first career All-Star selection, and he was joined by Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. It also was Buehler’s first time being named to the National League All-Star team, while it represented an eighth such honor for Kershaw.
Ryu not only became the first Korean born pitcher to start an All-Star Game, he was the first Dodgers starter to do so since Zack Greinke in 2015. Ryu threw one inning, then was followed by Kershaw in the second and Buehler appeared in the fifth.
Ryu threw a scoreless inning, but Kershaw and Buehler each allowed one run, allowing the American League to take a 2-0 lead. Buehler generally enjoyed his first experience with an All-Star Game but was also somewhat dispirited by his showing, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I’m a little disappointed, I didn’t want to give up any runs, but those things happen,” said Buehler.
In what many foresaw as a potential World Series preview, Buehler surrendered a leadoff double to New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez. After inducing an out, Buehler was let down a bit by teammate Max Muncy, who failed to squeeze a ball hit to his right. The infield single allowed Sanchez to score.
Buehler rebounded in impressive fashion, striking out Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres to end the inning. Buehler was one of nine pitchers Dodgers manager Dave Roberts utilized throughout the 90th Midsummer Classic.
The next time Buehler takes the mound may come this weekend against the Boston Red Sox. His last start for the Dodgers was July 3, and Buehler only threw 19 pitches in the All-Star Game. He could start on regular rest Sunday in the series finale at Fenway Park.
After a bit of a rough start to the season, which essentially was an extension of Spring Training, Buehler has found his rhythm. He’s 8-1 with a 3.46 ERA, 2.84 FIP and 0.99 WHIP in 17 starts.
