On Friday night, the San Diego Padres are playing the Los Angeles Dodgers for their latest spring training game.
They will play four more exhibition games before their Opening Day showdown with the Detroit Tigers (on March 26).
Padres Make Major Roster Decision
GettyPEORIA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 18: Walker Buehler #10 of the San Diego Padres poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex on February 18, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
According to Kevin Acee of San Diego Union-Tribune, Walker Buehler has made the team’s Opening Day roster.
Underdog MLB wrote: “Walker Buehler makes Padres Opening Day roster, per @sdutKevinAcee.”
Buehler is coming off a season where he spent time with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
He went 10-7 with a 4.93 ERA in 26 games (24 starts).
Sammy Levitt wrote (on March 16): “A really nice outing for Walker Buehler today, who struck out 7 batters in 5 scoreless innings. He threw 77 pitches, working out of trouble a number of times. Giants went 0-for-5 with RISP. Another potential step for Buehler towards the Padres starting rotation.”
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Walker Buehler #0 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting Zach Neto #9 of the Los Angeles Angels with a pitch in the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 23, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Buehler’s MLB Career
GettyBronx, New York, Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (21) looks to the dugout the moment striking out the New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo to seal a series clinching 7-6 win in Game five of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Buehler was the 24th pick in the 2015 MLB Draft.
In addition to the Phillies and Red Sox, he also spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers over his eight MLB seasons.
In 2019 and 2021 he made the All-Star Game.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 1, 2024: Dodgers Walker Buehler, wearing an Orel Hershiser jersey, speaks at the celebration at Dodgers Stadium. A victory parade celebrating the Dodgers’ World Series title in Los Angeles, CA on Friday, November 1, 2024. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Buehler also won the World Series (twice) with the Dodgers.
He played a major role in the team’s success.
Underdog MLB wrote on (October 28, 2024): “Walker Buehler World Series starts: 2018 7 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, 2 H, 0 BB 2020 6 IP, 1 ER, 10 K, 3 H, 1 BB 2024 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 2 H, 2 BB”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers enters the stadium with the Commissioners’ Trophy during the 2024 World Series Celebration Show at Dodger Stadium on November 01, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Padres Last Season
GettyPEORIA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 18: Manager Craig Stammen #14 of the San Diego Padres poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex on February 18, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Padres are coming off a year where they were the second-place team in the NL West with a 90-72 record.
They lost to the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round.
San Diego Padres Make Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day