Tulsa Drillers’ Walker Buehler was named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for games played June 29-July 2, 2017. That was despite the right-hander making just one start during the stretch he was recognized for.
Buehler allowed just two hits, issued one walk and had seven strikeouts over 5.1 innings in a road start against the Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers affiliate). The outing was Buehler’s ninth since the Los Angeles Dodgers promoted him from High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
The 22-year-old is 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 41 innings during his time with the Drillers.
Buehler didn’t factor into the decision in any of his five starts with the Quakes, yielding a minuscule 1.10 ERA while holding opponents to a .143/.226/.232 batting line.
On the season, he’s pitched to a 2.35 ERA in 14 starts, with 78 strikeouts against 15 walks across 57.1 innings. Buehler joins Scott Barlow, Kyle Farmer, Jose Miguel Fernandez and Edwin Rios (twice) as Drillers to win weekly Texas League honors this season.
Buehler, who underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after he was selected by the Dodgers in the first round (24th overall) of the 2015 Draft, entered this season considered one of the organization’s top pitching prospects.
There’s been some speculation Buehler could reach the Majors and be utilized as a relief pitcher once active rosters expand in September.
