Best Postseason Dodgers Pitchers Ranked
- 1. Sandy Koufax: The Untouchable October Standard
- 2. Orel Hershiser: The Immovable Bulldog of 1988
- 3. Clayton Kershaw: The Heavy Burden and Modern Triumphs
- 4. Walker Buehler: Pure Big-Game Poise
- 5. Historic Cornerstones: Don Drysdale and Fernando Valenzuela
- What Separates an October Legend from an Everyday Ace?
- FAQ
When ranking the best postseason Dodgers pitchers, Sandy Koufax stands alone at the pinnacle, followed closely by Orel Hershiser's untouchable 1988 campaign and modern October studs like Walker Buehler. Pitching under the bright lights of Chavez Ravine in October is a different beast entirely. Regular-season accolades mean little when a single hanging breaking ball can sink an entire season. Over the franchise's storied history in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, a handful of aces stepped onto the mound in October and refused to blink. Here is our definitive ranking of the arms that delivered when the stakes were at their highest.
1. Sandy Koufax: The Untouchable October Standard
No discussion about Los Angeles pitching greatness begins anywhere other than Sandy Koufax. The Left Arm of God was practically unhittable throughout his regular-season peak, but his World Series numbers border on mythical.
Koufax posted a mind-bending 0.95 ERA across 57 World Series innings, claiming two World Series MVP awards in 1963 and 1965. His defining signature came in Game 7 of the 1965 Fall Classic against the Minnesota Twins. Pitching on just two days of rest—after throwing a complete game shutout in Game 5—Koufax twirled a three-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts. When hitters knew his sweeping curveball and riding fastball were coming, they still couldn't touch them. His postseason body of work set the golden baseline for every Dodger pitcher who followed.
2. Orel Hershiser: The Immovable Bulldog of 1988
If Koufax represents pure brilliance, Orel Hershiser embodies sheer determination and stamina. The moniker 'Bulldog' was never more fitting than during the 1988 postseason, which remains arguably the most grueling, heroic single-playoff performance by any starting pitcher in baseball history.
Hershiser threw 42.2 innings in October 1988 alone. He locked down the high-powered New York Mets in the NLCS, famously closing out Game 4 in the 12th inning for a save just one day before pitching a shutout in Game 7. In the World Series, he dismantled the heavily favored Oakland Athletics with two complete games, posting an overall 1.05 ERA for the month. That magical run cements him among the best postseason Dodgers pitchers to ever toe the rubber, proving that grit can elevate elite talent into lore.
3. Clayton Kershaw: The Heavy Burden and Modern Triumphs
Evaluating the best postseason Dodgers pitchers requires an honest assessment of Clayton Kershaw. Critics often highlight his October missteps—giving up late-inning runs against the Cardinals or struggling in hostile environments. Yet, examining his playoff career in full paints a far more nuanced picture.
Kershaw holds the franchise postseason record for strikeouts (213) and innings pitched (194.1). For over a decade, Los Angeles asked Kershaw to carry an enormous load, frequently pitching on short rest or stepping into high-leverage relief spots. When the Dodgers captured the title in 2020, Kershaw answered every skeptic: he went 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA across the run, including two commanding victories in the World Series over Tampa Bay. His longevity, strikeout mastery, and ultimate ring secure his spot among franchise playoff royalty.
4. Walker Buehler: Pure Big-Game Poise
Before second Tommy John surgery disrupted his trajectory, Walker Buehler established himself as the man you wanted on the mound with the season on the line. When October arrived, Buehler's velocity ticked up, his cutter developed bite, and his swagger grew exponentially.
Through his first 15 postseason appearances, Buehler logged a 2.94 ERA with over 10 strikeouts per nine innings. His signature October moments are numerous: seven shutout innings with 10 punchouts against Boston in the 18-inning epic of the 2018 World Series, and six dominant innings with 10 strikeouts in Game 3 of the 2020 Fall Classic. Buehler repeatedly elevated his game when October tension peaked, solidifying his case among the best postseason Dodgers pitchers of the 21st century.
5. Historic Cornerstones: Don Drysdale and Fernando Valenzuela
Behind Koufax and Hershiser sits an elite tier of pitchers who authored crucial chapters in Dodger postseason lore.
- Don Drysdale: The menacing right-hander served as the thunder to Koufax's lightning. Drysdale pitched to a 2.95 ERA across five World Series, including a dominant complete-game shutout against the Twins in 1965.
- Fernando Valenzuela: 'Fernandomania' didn't slow down when October hit in 1981. A 20-year-old rookie, Fernando threw a grueling 147-pitch complete game in Game 3 of the World Series against the Yankees, turning the momentum and driving the Dodgers toward the championship.
- Kenley Jansen: While high-profile blown saves generated headlines, Jansen was historically elite out of the bullpen for years, racking up 20 postseason saves and a stellar 2.13 ERA across 57 playoff appearances.
What Separates an October Legend from an Everyday Ace?
Chavez Ravine has seen dozens of Cy Young candidates, but the postseason strips away regular-season comfort. The arms on this list shared specific traits: the endurance to pitch deep into games on short rest, the emotional poise to ignore thunderous road crowds, and the ability to execute their primary out-pitch when counts ran full.
Whether it was Koufax's unhittable curve, Hershiser's sinking fastball, or Buehler's fearless October demeanor, each ace delivered an unmistakable aura of inevitability. That rare edge is what separates standard rotation anchors from the best postseason Dodgers pitchers across generations.
Frequently asked questions
Who is statistically the best Dodgers postseason pitcher of all time?
Sandy Koufax holds the crown. With a career 0.95 ERA in the World Series, two World Series MVPs, and two Game 7 complete-game shutouts, his postseason dominance remains untouched in MLB history.
Who has pitched the most postseason innings in Dodgers history?
Clayton Kershaw holds the Dodgers franchise record for most postseason innings pitched (194.1 IP) and total postseason strikeouts (213).
What made Orel Hershiser's 1988 playoff run so special?
Hershiser tossed 42.2 innings in October 1988 with a 1.05 ERA. He earned both the NLCS and World Series MVP honors, throwing complete games, picking up a relief save, and shutting down heavy favorites like the Mets and Athletics.
Does Walker Buehler rank among the best postseason Dodgers pitchers in modern history?
Yes. Buehler owns a career sub-3.00 postseason ERA and became the first pitcher in World Series history to post multiple games with at least six innings, ten strikeouts, and one or fewer earned runs allowed.