Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler is set to make his return to the team’s starting rotation despite some struggles during his rehab outings at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Buehler, who has been dealing with a hip injury, allowed eight runs on 15 hits and five walks in 6 2/3 innings over two rehab stints. In his most recent outing on Thursday in Oklahoma City, he gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings while throwing 86 pitches.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains confident in Buehler’s abilities, stating that the results from his rehab outings do not concern him. Roberts emphasized that Buehler is an All-Star caliber pitcher and that he just needs to continue building up his strength and performance before returning to the major league level. Despite Buehler’s struggles before landing on the injured list in June, Roberts believes that the pitcher’s competitive spirit and talent will shine through once he is back in the rotation.
Buehler, who missed most of the 2022 season and all of 2023 due to a second Tommy John surgery, has had a successful career with the Dodgers. He has a record of 47-20 with a 3.17 ERA over seven major league seasons, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level. Despite his recent setbacks, Buehler’s track record and experience in the league make him a valuable asset to the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
As Buehler prepares for one final rehab outing before rejoining the Dodgers, the team remains optimistic about his return and the impact he can have on their success. With his determination and skill on the mound, Buehler is poised to make a strong comeback and contribute to the team’s quest for victory in the upcoming games. Dodgers fans can look forward to seeing Buehler back in action and making a positive impact on the team’s performance as he continues to work towards regaining his top form.