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

The 30-year-old right-hander returned to professional action at the start of this season after missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery.

And it didn't go quite as planned.

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

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

Buehler has been excellent against the Friars in the past, dominating with a 1.80 ERA in 12 games.

Despite this success against the division rival, one Padres player in particular has caused Buehler major problems over the years: Fernando Tatis Jr.

Tatis has struck out Buehler in 27 career plate appearances, hitting four home runs, including one in May of this season.

This means that Pete Alonso has the most home runs in his career next to Buehler.

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

His decline has a lot to do with the decline of his four-seam fastball.

While Buehler has largely maintained his velocity, the pitcher has gone from one of the best four-seaters in the major leagues in run value from 2018 to 2021 (+59) to one of the worst in limited time this season (-8) .

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Tatis enjoys the hard stuff, batting .526 with 14 homers and no fastballs this season.

There is no better matchup for the Padres superstar than tonight.

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