Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Walker Buehler is scheduled to make another start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday as his rehab assignment continues.
The Dodgers had been deciding between Buehler starting for OKC on the road in Albuquerque, or for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers at home. One factor in the decision-making process was Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park utilizing the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS).
That was utilized during Buehler’s start for Oklahoma City last week, and is believed to have been somewhat of a point of consternation as he failed to get through three innings.
“He was kind of taken aback, because I guess on certain days they do it and then they don’t do it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained. “He was kind of confused.”
When informed the Isotopes’ home stadium uses the ABS whereas ONEOK Field does not, Roberts quipped, “Good luck to Walker.”
Buehler’s start on Wednesday is going to be the fifth of his rehab assignment that began March 31. All but one of the outings have come with the Oklahoma City Baseball Club. In his April 12 start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, Buehler completed just two innings because of being hit in the right hand/knuckles by a comebacker.
The plan had been for him to stretch out in that outing and potentially join the Dodgers rotation after it. However, the short appearance led to pitching for Oklahoma City last week and amid some troubles with command, the Dodgers elected to have Buehler continue with the rehab assignment.
Dave Roberts downplays Walker Buehler concerns
After initially expressing some worry over Buehler’s command issues from last week’s start, Roberts said he had a productive conversation with the 29-year-old.
“Just kind of trying to figure out where he’s at physically. The pitch count is getting up, the stuff was much better,” Roberts said. “Arguably as good as it’s been in a long time, so that’s good. Just couldn’t land the curveball.
“I appreciate that he was making an effort to try to do that. He’s in a really good spot. I feel really good, but to get him up and down five times in his next outing would be very helpful too.”
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