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Walker Buehler will take the mound for the San Diego Padres in a critical Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night. The veteran right-hander has been named San Diego’s starter as the Padres fight to keep their season alive.
The Brewers still lead the best-of-five series 2-1 after San Diego earned a dramatic 4-3 victory Tuesday night. That win prevented Milwaukee from completing the series sweep and gave the Padres another opportunity to extend the NLDS to a decisive fifth game.
Walker Buehler Brings Proven October Experience
San Diego announced Buehler as its Game 4 starter one day after Milwaukee confirmed left-hander Robert Gasser for the matchup. Buehler owns a 9-6 regular-season record with a 4.63 ERA, while Gasser enters with a 5-5 record and a 3.87 ERA.
The biggest advantage for Buehler may be his extensive postseason résumé. He has appeared in 19 playoff games during his career, including 18 starts, and has compiled a 4-4 postseason record with a 3.04 ERA.
Buehler was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers teams that won the World Series in 2020 and 2024. During the 2024 championship run, he earned the save in the Dodgers’ title-clinching Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees. That combination of playoff experience and high-pressure success makes him a central figure in San Diego’s elimination-game effort.
Padres Turn to Buehler After Narrowing the Series
The Padres entered Tuesday facing elimination, but a one-run victory changed the tone of the series. San Diego now needs another win to force Game 5, while Milwaukee can advance with a victory on the road.
Buehler had opened the NLDS on the paternity list before being reinstated Monday. The brief absence means Game 4 will mark his first appearance in this Division Series. He will face a Brewers lineup that has already shown the ability to produce timely offense during the postseason.
For San Diego, the assignment is about more than simply stopping Milwaukee. The Padres need Buehler to provide length, control and composure in a game where every inning could carry season-defining consequences.
Robert Gasser Faces a High-Stakes Brewers Start
Milwaukee will counter with Gasser, who finished the regular season strongly. The left-hander allowed six runs, five earned, across 27 innings in September, producing a sharp 1.67 ERA during the final month of the regular season.
Gasser also has a personal connection to the Padres. San Diego drafted him, and he pitched in the organization’s farm system before being traded to Milwaukee in 2022. That deal sent reliever Josh Hader to the Padres, adding an intriguing layer to Gasser’s return to San Diego in a pivotal playoff game.
Although Gasser made two relief appearances during Milwaukee’s playoff run last year, Game 4 will be his first Division Series appearance. The Brewers will hope his late-season form carries into what could be their most important game of the series.
Critical Road Playoff History Adds Pressure
Milwaukee is also trying to overcome a troubling postseason trend. The Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road playoff games since their most recent road victory, which came in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers.
Buehler started that game for Los Angeles and took the loss. The unusual connection gives Wednesday’s matchup an additional storyline, with the pitcher now facing Milwaukee in a different uniform and under entirely different circumstances.
The Brewers have the series advantage, but San Diego has momentum after surviving Tuesday’s elimination game. If Buehler can limit Milwaukee’s offense and the Padres continue receiving timely hitting, the series could be pushed to a winner-take-all finale.
What Is at Stake in Game 4?
- San Diego Padres: Need a victory to force a deciding Game 5.
- Milwaukee Brewers: Can clinch the NLDS with a road win.
- Starting pitchers: Walker Buehler faces Robert Gasser in their first Division Series appearances.
- Key storyline: Buehler’s postseason experience meets Milwaukee’s strong late-season pitching form.
As reported by ESPN and The Associated Press, Wednesday’s contest represents a major test for both clubs. Buehler has the experience to handle the spotlight, but the Padres will need more than a recognizable name to keep their October run alive.
First pitch will bring two contrasting pressures into focus: San Diego’s need to survive and Milwaukee’s opportunity to finish the series. With the Padres gaining confidence and the Brewers holding the advantage, Game 4 has all the ingredients of a tense NLDS showdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starting Game 4 of the NLDS for the Padres?
Walker Buehler is scheduled to start Game 4 for the San Diego Padres against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Who will pitch for the Brewers?
Milwaukee will start left-hander Robert Gasser, who finished September with a 1.67 ERA over 27 innings.
What is Walker Buehler’s postseason record?
Buehler is 4-4 with a 3.04 ERA in 19 career playoff appearances, including 18 starts.
What is the current NLDS series score?
The Brewers lead the best-of-five series 2-1 after San Diego won Tuesday’s game 4-3.
What happens if the Padres win Game 4?
A San Diego victory would force a decisive Game 5, while a Milwaukee win would send the Brewers to the next round.
