Walker Buehler is one of Major League Baseball’s most talented pitchers of his generation. Known for his blazing fastball, competitive spirit, and clutch postseason performances, Buehler has experienced both triumphant peaks and challenging lows in his baseball career. In this article, we dive deep into his injuries, World Series highlights, recent developments, his personal life — including his wife — and a Wiki-style biography.
Who Is Walker Buehler? (Wiki-Style Bio)
Walker Buehler (born July 28, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher currently signed to the San Diego Padres organization on a minor league deal after a rocky few seasons in MLB. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft.
Buehler made his Major League debut with the Dodgers in 2017 and quickly became one of their top starters. Known for his powerful fastball and strikeout ability, he helped anchor a dominant Dodgers rotation throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Injury Struggles: What Happened To Walker Buehler?
Injuries have unfortunately shaped much of Buehler’s career trajectory:
Tommy John Surgeries
In August 2022, Buehler underwent his second Tommy John surgery, repairing his ulnar collateral ligament and associated tendons. This procedure sidelined him for the remainder of 2022 and the entire 2023 season.
Return and Hip Injury
After missing two seasons, he returned in 2024 but dealt with inconsistency and a hip injury that kept him out of action for part of that season.
Shoulder Issues in 2025
In May 2025, Buehler suffered shoulder inflammation that placed him on the injured list while with the Boston Red Sox. He returned later that month but continued to struggle with performance and durability.
Shifting Roles and Release
Struggles continued throughout the 2025 season, leading to a move to the bullpen and, ultimately, his release by the Red Sox. He later signed minor league deals with the Philadelphia Phillies and, most recently, the San Diego Padres as he hopes to rebuild his career.
World Series Success
Despite injury setbacks, Buehler has had major postseason highlights:
2020 and 2024 Championships
While with the Dodgers, Buehler was integral to their World Series success. He helped the team secure championships in 2020 and again in 2024, including recording the final out in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.
2024 World Series Ring
Though his regular season numbers in 2024 were modest due to injury and inconsistency, Buehler shined when it mattered most in the playoffs — a testament to his talent and resilience. He was later awarded his 2024 World Series ring in a celebratory event with the Dodgers.
What Happened Recently?
As of 2026, Walker Buehler continues to chase a return to form:
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Signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres to compete for a rotation spot in spring training.
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Buehler remains determined to prove he can stay healthy and recapture the dominance that once made him one of baseball’s premier starters.
Personal Life: Wife and Family
Walker Buehler’s life off the field is highlighted by his relationship with his wife, McKenzie Buehler:
Love Story & Family
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Walker and McKenzie share a long history, having known each other since childhood and officially becoming a couple in high school.
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They married in December 2021 after a romantic journey together.
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The couple welcomed their daughter, Finley Wren Buehler, on January 31, 2024.
Support Through Struggles
McKenzie has been a vocal supporter throughout Buehler’s injury setbacks and life transitions, sharing family moments on social media and celebrating his World Series achievements.
Conclusion
Walker Buehler’s career is a story of highs and lows, from World Series glory to long injury rehab stints, and now a determined bid for resurgence with the Padres organization. Off the field, his family life with his wife McKenzie and daughter adds a heartwarming chapter to the story of this elite pitcher’s life and journey.
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