Had the Dodgers' starting rotation been healthy, there's a chance Buehler would not have even started in the playoffs, but injuries to Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and

Dodger fans, still riding high from the team's World Series victory, formed large crowds to meet Kiki Hernández and Walker Hernández in local appearances.

The Dodgers needed someone from their long list of 2024 starting pitchers to step up, and Buehler, just rounding into form after Tommy John surgery, was that guy.