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

The Dodgers extend Teoscar Hernández a qualifying offer while declining to give one to right-hander Walker Buehler, who officially becomes a free agent.

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.