Buehler (14-4) took the loss against Cincinnati on Friday, pitching six innings and allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five.
Though the right-hander earned his MLB-leading 26th quality start, he was outdueled by opposing starter Luis Castillo and didn't appear to have his best stuff. Buehler held the Reds scoreless for four frames but was touched up for a run in the fifth and two in the sixth before departing. His numbers on the campaign still hold up to the best hurlers in the league -- Buehler has a 2.39 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 194:49 K:BB across 192 innings -- but he has faded a bit of late, posting a 6.19 ERA and losing twice in three September starts. He'll look to get back on track next week in a start against Colorado.