Walker Buehler is set to make his first start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in nearly two years on Monday after working his way back from a second Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair.
The right-hander is coming off a lengthy rehab assignment that saw him make six starts between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Oklahoma City. He went 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 21.2 innings pitched.
Buehler’s fastball velocity was a concern during the early portion of his rehab assignment, but he bounced with encouraging results in his most recent start against the Salt Lake Bees.
Buehler expects his velocity to see a jump when he takes the mound in a Major League game, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I think everyone hopes the adrenaline [of a major league game] will make you throw harder,” Buehler said. “My velo has been OK, but maybe we’ll get a tick or a little bump. You guys have seen me for a few years and know that I’m pretty emotional [on the mound], so I think I’m definitely excited to feel everything again.”
Prior to his latest elbow operation, Buehler’s fastball regularly touched the mid-to-upper-90s. As he continues building up, the 29-year-old hopes to eventually get back to consistently hitting that mark.
Buehler owns a 46-16 record, 3.02 ERA, 3.26 FIP and 1.04 WHIP in 115 MLB games (106 starts). His return should give the Dodgers rotation a major boost considering the injuries and inconsistencies the group has dealt with in the early going.
The Dodgers cleared the path for Buehler’s return by optioning Landon Knack to OKC before their series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks last week.
Dave Roberts: Walker Buehler ‘in a good spot’
Before his final rehab start, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Buehler was in a good spot and expects him to eventually return to his pre-surgery form.
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