The Los Angeles Dodgers officially recalled Walker Buehler from High-A Rancho Cucamonga for his start Saturday against the San Francisco Giants. He takes the mound in the day game of a split doubleheader at AT&T Park, with Alex Wood starting the nightcap.
Because of the doubleheader, Buehler’s addition to the active roster does not require a corresponding move as he represents the club’s permitted 26th man. Buehler’s start is just the second of his young Major League career.
He scattered four hits and recorded five strikeouts over five shutout innings against the Miami Marlins earlier this week. Buehler admitted to feeling more at ease that he did in any of his relief appearances for the Dodgers last season.
The organization’s top pitching prospect brings with him an electric arm and confidence that resonates in the clubhouse. “We expect a lot out of him,” Kiké Hernandez said this week.
“It’s not too often you get drafted in the first round, knowing you need Tommy John, so this kid must be a stud. He’s pretty confident, pretty cocky. We kind of like his attitude sometimes.”
The Dodgers have made it clear they anticipate Buehler playing a key role for the club, but how or when that will manifest itself is still unclear. Including time with Triple-A Oklahoma City, the 23-year-old has thrown 18 innings this season.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has publicly revealed the innings limit that’s in place, though manager Dave Roberts conceded 150 innings was a reasonable estimation.
