Walker Buehler has been through a lot since becoming a postseason hero during the Dodgers’ winning run in the 2020 World Series.

The 30-year-old right-hander returned to the bump earlier this season after missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery.

And it didn’t go quite as planned.

Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA over 16 appearances in what was by far the worst season of his career.

In his first postseason appearance this season, Buehler takes the mound in San Diego with the NLDS against the Padres tied at 1-1 as he tries to get back on track.

Buehler was historically excellent against the Friars, dominating with a 1.80 ERA in 12 games.

Despite that success against the division rival, one Padres player in particular has given Buehler enormous problems over the years: Fernando Tatis Jr.

Tatis has crushed Buehler in 27 career at-bats, hitting four home runs, including one in May of this season.

That ties Pete Alonso for most home runs behind Buehler.

Buehler has been unusually prone to home runs this season, giving up 16 in 75 ⅓ innings, including five in September.

His fall from grace has a lot to do with the demise of his four-seam fastball.

While Buehler has largely retained his speed, the 2018-2021 field (+59) has gone from one of the best fours in the major leagues in terms of run value (+59) to one of the worst in limited time this season (- 8).

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Tatis relishes the hard stuff, hitting .526 with 14 home runs on fastballs this season.

There’s no better match for the Padres superstar than tonight’s.

The play: Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a home run (+360, BetMGM Sportsbook)