The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Walker Buehler back to the Minors on Sunday, for a second time it was to High-A Rancho Cucamonga, not Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Buehler was called up as the 26th man to make his second career start in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants. Buehler’s second career start was another good one, as he gave up six hits and two runs in five innings of work.
He struck out six and walked two, earning his first career victory as a starter. Both of the runs came in the first inning, but after that Buehler settled in and was able to make it through five to get the win.
Considering he was called up just for the doubleheader and the Dodgers rotation will have all five of its members back when Rich Hill returns from the disabled list this upcoming week, it was expected that Buehler would be sent back to the Minor Leagues after the start.
It is a bit interesting though that the Dodgers decided to option him back to Rancho Cucamonga, and not Oklahoma City, where he began the season. It can be presumed the Dodgers want to keep him close to the big league club in the event Buehler is once again needed.
Overall in his two starts this past week, Buehler gave up a combined 10 hits and two runs in 10 innings, resulting in a 1.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. He struck out 11 compared to four walks.
If nothing else, Buehler proved that he is capable of being a starter at the big league level. If any of the other starters get injured or should the Dodgers decide to move Kenta Maeda to the bullpen, Buehler is a solid rotation option to have waiting in the Minors.
