Walker Buehler returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation this season after missing nearly two years while recovering from a right flexor tendon repair and second Tommy John surgery.
Buehler struggled with inconsistency in eight starts before landing on the 15-day injured list this past June due to right hip inflammation. The move came one day after Buehler took a comeback off his hip during a start against the Colorado Rockies.
The 30-year-old took some time away from the Dodgers to work through his issues at Cressey Sports Performance in Florida. He rejoined the team last month and then completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City before being activated.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman felt Buehler was close to getting back to his old form before his latest injury, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I felt like Buehler before the injury obviously had some tough games, but I felt like he was pretty close and the stuff was in place. It was more execution, which is an easier bet to make with someone who competes like we know he does,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “It’s harder when you’re relying on stuff improvement.”
Buehler has made three rehab starts with Oklahoma City, pitching to a 6.39 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 12.2 innings of work. While the results left a lot to be desired, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he was more focused on Buehler’s health.
Buehler returned to a Dodgers rotation this month that at the time also included Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Jack Flaherty, Gavin Stone and River Ryan.
Ryan has since been lost to Tommy John surgery and Glasnow is delayed his recovery from right elbow tendinitis.
That’s created more of an opportunity — and placed added pressure — on not only Buehler, but Bobby Miller as well.
Walker Buehler’s 2024 season
Prior to his hip injury, Buehler went 1-4 with a 5.84 ERA, 6.07 FIP and 1.51 WHIP in 37 innings across eight starts at the big league level this season.
In two starts off the injured list this month, the right-hander has yet to receive a decision while pitching to a 7.36 ERA and 6.71 FIP.
Buehler’s next outing is Wednesday, in the second game of the series against the Baltimore Orioles. He was flipped in the rotation order with Flaherty to receive an extra day of rest.
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