“I haven’t slept a minute” - Walker Buehler reveals he’s still on cloud nine after closing out World Series for Dodgers

In the ninth inning of Game 5 of the World Series, Walker Buehler came out of the bullpen. With his team leading by one run, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to use the regular starter to finish things up.

For Buehler, it was his first relief appearance since the summer of 2018, but few might have guessed. After getting Anthony Volpe to ground out, Buehler struck out Austin Wells and Alex Verdugo to seal the 7-6 victory and the second World Series title of Buehler's career.

"WALKER BUEHLER CLOSES IT OUT! #CHAMPS" - Los Angeles Dodgers

After fanning New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo to clinch the win, Buehler raised his hands skyward as his teammates rushed to the mound. For the 30-year-old Kentucky native who has struggled with injuries lately, the strikeout was the most momentous of his career.

Two days later, Buehler took to his Instagram. According to the former Los Angeles Dodgers first-rounder, he "hasn't slept a minute" since before claiming to "love this team and this MF city."

"I haven’t slept a minute. G*****MN I love this team and this MF city" - buehlersdayoff21

After making a league-best 33 starts in 2022, Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery, leading to him sitting out the entirety of the 2023 season. Before the 2024 campaign, Buehler inked to a one-year, $8.025 million deal.

The start to the 2024 season was not an easy one for Walker Buehler. He did not make his season debut until May 6 against the Miami Marlins. Additionally, Buehler struggled to a 5.84 in his first 37 innings and finished the season 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA.

Dodgers manager never lost confidence in Walker Buehler

Despite the fact that Buehler's 2024 season had been shaky at best until Game 5, it did not phase LA manager Dave Roberts. In comments to MLB.com after the victory, Roberts knew that Buehler was the man for the job:

“The experience, the pedigree -- we were all in at that point in time, and he wanted the baseball, I just felt that he wasn't going to run from the moment. I just felt he was the best option.”

The Dodgers' pitching staff was very banged up this postseason, and many would say they played below their potential. The first team ever to use eight or more pitchers during a World Series elimination game, Walker Buehler will seek to carry this momentum into 2025.