Cody Snavely
After Wednesday’s win, Dave Roberts confirmed that right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler will officially be activated and start on Monday for the series opener against the Miami Marlins.
Walker Buehler has been sidelined since June 2022, when he was placed on the 15-day IL due to a flexor strain. This ultimately led to Buehler requiring Tommy John Surgery, the second of his career.
Showing his unwavering commitment to his recovery, Buehler made a single rehab start during the 2023 season. However, after a scoreless inning, he and the team decided to take a step back, agreeing to start fresh for the 2024 season.
Entering camp back in February, the Dodgers and Buehler agreed on a plan for his recovery and a timetable for his return. Buehler, who would continue his throwing program and bullpen sessions, would not see any action in the Cactus League and would start the season on a delayed start.
The general thought process was that Buehler would rejoin the team in mid-late May if all went well. However, Dave Roberts stated that we are ahead of schedule as Buehler is in line to start Monday.
Walker Buehler started six games between Triple-A and Single-A. He went 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA, allowing 26 hits, 10 earned runs, and 21 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. However, the biggest issue was the lack of command.
In his final rehab appearance, Buhler pitched arguably his best start, going five innings on 75 pitches, allowing three hits, one run, and five strikeouts. He demonstrated good command and usage of his curveball. His fastball averaged around 93 mph, which is eye-popping, as it averaged around 96 mph in 2022.
Buehler will rejoin a Dodgers rotation without Bobby Miller, who is still on the 15-day IL with shoulder issues and will take Landon Knack‘s spot in the rotation after Knack was optioned for J.P. Feyereisen.
The team and its fans have been looking forward to Buehler’s return. In his career, he has posted a 3.02 ERA in 638.1 innings pitched.
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