The Los Angeles Dodgers envisioned Walker Buehler filling a key role this season in his return from a second career Tommy John surgery, and although that could eventually prove true, there’s been an interruption.
Buehler was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to right hip inflammation. The roster move was corresponding to Bobby Miller getting activated for his start against the Colorado Rockies, and one day after Buehler labored through an outing at Coors Field.
There have been glimpses of the pitcher Buehler was in years past, with his start on May 18 against the Cincinnati Reds being the best example. The rest of his outings have otherwise ranged from average to poor.
With Buehler now on the IL, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is hopeful it will give him an opportunity to get healthier and reset, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
“I think, obviously, getting back to full strength health-wise,” Roberts said of the goals for Buehler. “I think a little bit sort of finding himself again. I think he’s still in search mode. So, as he’s getting back to health, I think for the mind and some clarity, I think this will be a good thing.”
Buehler was going to have to reinvent himself as a pitcher following a second Tommy John surgery, but it’s clear he’s still in the process of deciphering how to best do that.
The Dodgers’ starting pitching depth has taken a sizable hit when also factoring in Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s right rotator cuff strain that landed him on the 15-day IL as well, but they should still have enough to get by.
Their long-term outlook is in a precarious position with Yamamoto’s injury, but in that same vein, Buehler’s availability down the stretch is important for a postseason run.
Walker Buehler adjustments
Among the changes Buehler has experimented with this season are his positioning on the mound and at times going away from throwing a four-seam fastball.
In 37 innings pitched over eight starts, Buehler is just 1-4 with a 5.84 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and only 31 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting .301 against Buehler, who has had trouble problem with surrendering home runs, with his 2.43 allowed per nine innings representing the highest average of his career.
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