Walker Buehler recently made his return from the 10-day disabled list in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ final series before the All-Star Break, putting forth a solid start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Over five innings pitched, he allowed six hits and two runs with five strikeouts. The right-hander’s stint in the Majors was short-lived, however, as he found himself optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City one day later.
The Dodgers opted for an extra reliever in the bullpen to close out the unofficial first half of the season. Buehler has since thrown a five-inning simulated game with Triple-A Oklahoma in preparation of his return to Los Angeles, though a set date hasn’t been revealed yet, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Right-hander Walker Buehler was expected to throw a five-inning simulated game with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday. When he will pitch in an actual game – for the OKC Dodgers or back in the major leagues – remains undecided, according to Roberts.
While the Dodgers are uncertain of Buehler’s return to the Majors, there is a potential opening for him to take the mound in a Major League game next week in Philadelphia.
The Dodgers visit Citizens Bank Park for a three-game series beginning on Monday, and manager Dave Roberts already revealed that Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling will pitch in two of those contests.
Buehler is eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday, positioning himself to start in the series finale, if the club decides to go that route.
The rookie’s inevitable return could lead the Dodgers to deploy a six-man starting rotation for the time being, with Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Maeda, Stripling and Alex Wood all healthy and vying for starts.
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