Buehler was scheduled to throw two innings in relief on Sunday’s game, but he ended up pitching 1 1/3 innings after allowing three earned runs on 36 pitches. The plan for Buehler to begin transitioning to the bullpen has been something in the front office’s mind for a few weeks now.
The front office envisions Buehler playing the same role that Adam Wainwright did for the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals and Frankie Rodriguez did for the Angels in 2002. What do both of those pitchers have in common? They were both key late additions to their respective championship team.