Walker Buehler has been completing his rehab process from a right flexor tendon repair and second Tommy John surgery at Camelback Ranch, but was with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium over the weekend.
Buehler continues to make progress in his recovery amid a small glimmer of hope to possibly return later this season.
“From what I heard, he touched 88 miles an hour on flat ground,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s pretty impressive. He got out to 150 (feet), felt good.”
Considering Buehler was able to stretch out to 150 feet on flat ground, the next progression would be throwing off a mound for the first time since his operation.
“You know, I don’t know that answer,” Roberts said when asked if that was a reasonable expectation for the right-hander. “But I hope that’s the case.”
Prior to making his way to Dodger Stadium, Buehler attended Game 6 of the NBA playoff series between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors and is going to be on hand at the 2023 Kentucky Derby this weekend. Buehler has a minority stake in Authentic, which came to light when the horse won the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2020.
“He’s living his best life,” Roberts said of Buehler.
Will Walker Buehler pitch in 2023?
In his first interview after last year’s Tommy John surgery, Buehler voiced confidence in being able to pitch for the Dodgers during the 2023 season.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman also didn’t rule out the possibility, and noted the team received encouraging feedback from Dr. Neal ElAttrache on the operation.
Still, it would be a surprise if Buehler pitches in 2023. The recovery after a second Tommy John surgery historically is closer to 14 months, and the Dodgers tend to err on the side of caution with timelines.
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