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The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their series opener against the San Diego Padres, a game that had a ton of storylines, including Walker Buehler facing his former team with their biggest rival.
At this point, it is hard to argue that the Dodgers are the Padres’ biggest rivals — Petco Park is always sold out and loud when the boys in blue come to town.
Additionally, Padres fans are especially active during the interdivision series.
For the Dodgers, the Blue Jays have emerged due to their World Series clash, along with the Yankees, while the Padres continue to linger as the biggest threat to win the division.
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Jun 26, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Walker Buehler (10) delivers during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
With the amosity between both fanbases, it is no surprise why Buehler signing with the Padres at the start of the season to a minor league deal was “weird” to him at first.
However, he has really settled in to life in San Diego. Friday’s game, where he allowed just one run after 5.1 innings, was the latest example of his success and after the game, he reflected on being on the other side of the rivalry.
“My last pitch there was the last out of the [2024] World Series. I don’t really know how else I would’ve rather gone out any better than that,” Buehler said Friday.
“I want to kick everyone’s ass. I want to beat everyone, especially in the division. And especially against a team that has been so successful against the organization that I am with now.”
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Sep 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler (21) looks on from the dugout following the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
How did Walker Buehler feel facing the Dodgers?
His start against the Dodgers was not the first one for Buehler, who faced them as a member of the Boston Red Sox back in 2024.
He has not faced the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, where he knows things will feel different.
“I think the first one in Boston was a lot bigger, emotional, load, for lack of a better word,” Buehler said.
“It’s a team in our division; I’m gonna have to pitch against them. It’s good to get the first win in this uniform, at home, and we’ll see what kind of happens on the road. I haven’t thrown at Dodger Stadium yet, which will be a different thing.”
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