Dodgers: Walker Buehler throwing during shutdown, talks Kershaw Skechers deal

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Walker Buehler is throwing during the shutdown, and talked about Clayton Kershaw’s Skechers deal on a recent podcast.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is staying in shape during the coronavirus shutdown by throwing with a friend in Lexington, Kentucky.

"“One of my best friends is a Division-III coach at a little school here called Transylvania, so I’ve been making him come and throw with me,” Buehler said on a Talkin’ Baseball episode released on Monday. “We jump around spots so we don’t get caught. I’ve been playing catch here-and-there, and throwing some bullpens, and stuff like that.”"

The 25-year-old looked good in spring, touching 96 MPH in his Cactus League debut. Overall, he made three starts, allowing three earned runs, while striking out eight and walking five. He was set to be the number two starter behind Clayton Kershaw in the rotation this season.

Some could argue Buehler is the Ace of the staff, given where he is at in his career relative to Kershaw, but he obviously still has more to prove before he officially takes that honor—and Kershaw’s performance will have something to say about that, too.

Last season, Buehler was 14-4 with a 3.26 ERA, and finished in the top-ten in Cy Young Award voting. Most notably, he was the Dodgers’ best pitcher in the playoffs against the Nationals, making two starts, and allowing only one earned run.

He has proven to be a go-to pitcher in big spots, leading the Dodgers to victory in the 2018 National League West tie-breaker game. His career postseason statistics, which don’t include the tiebreaker, are impressive with a 2.72 ERA over six starts.

The right-hander is always a fun interview listen. When asked about teammate Clayton Kershaw’s Skechers cleats, Buehler had a great response.

"“I asked [Kershaw] if he would rather have the money for the Skechers deal, or the respect of his peers, and he chose the Skechers cleats,” Buehler said."

Kershaw signed a multi-year deal with the Los Angeles-based company in 2019, wearing custom-made Skechers cduring Game 2 of the National League Division Series.

If you’re missing Dodgers baseball, make sure you give the latest Talkin’ Baseball podcast a listen for a fun hour-long conversation with Walker Buehler.