Walker Buehler makes strong declaration after first win with Padres

Walker Buehler’s past few seasons have been quite the grueling grind for the starting pitcher. At one point, the San Diego Padres pitcher was seen as the next great starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A two-time All-Star for LA and two-time World Series winner, injuries wrecked the starter towards the end of his career in Los Angeles. He was eventually phased out of the starting rotation, leading to him leaving the team in 2025.

Buehler made a couple of stops last season in Boston and Philadelphia, but was generally still struggling with his form. Now with the San Diego Padres, it seems like the right-hander is ready to dish out his best stuff again. After a disastrous season against the Red Sox, Buehler earned his first win of the season against the Seattle Mariners.

Against the Mariners, Buehler pitched five innings of two-run ball. He struck out seven batters and allowed five hits in the game. The Padres made sure to reward Buehler’s efforts with a win, scoring five runs against Seattle. After the game, the pitcher spoke confidently about his performance, saying that he feels healthy and confident this year, per Marty Caswell.

"I feel healthy, I feel confident."
Walker Buehler on if he felt like a vintage version of himself in Padres 5-2 win over Mariners. @FriarTerritory pic.twitter.com/TUrqbbsGrB

— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) April 17, 2026

Prior to this game, Buehler already had his best game of the season. Against the Colorado Rockies, the Padres starter threw six shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking four batters. That’s a good sign that the former star is starting to regain his form from his All-Star seasons.

It also helps that the Padres have the best closer in the league this year. Mason Miller continues to be an absolutely dominant force on the mound for the team, becoming a key reason for their eight-game winning streak. Against the Mariners, Miller notched yet another save, striking out the side in the ninth inning in just 13 pitches to secure the victory for the team.

The Padres now have a 13-6 record through 19 games this year. Next up for the Padres is a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

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