The Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent struggles continued Saturday with a 6-4 loss to the New York Mets on Walker Buehler Bobblehead Day at Dodger Stadium.
Prior to the matchup, Buehler’s wife, McKenzie, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Walker. The Buehlers were joined on the field by their daughter, Finley Wren, who was born this past January.
Also in attendance for Buehler’s bobblehead giveaway at Dodger Stadium were Dominic and Céline Ciambrone, who are friends of the right-hander. Dominic is the CEO and founder of The Shoe Surgeon, a Los Angeles-based company that makes custom sneakers.
Buehler is in the midst of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City that began on March 31. He made his fourth start on Thursday, but lasted just 2.2 innings after giving up four runs and walking four batters.
It's Walker Buehler Bobblehead Day presented by Bank of America! pic.twitter.com/h86h1hllWb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 20, 2024
Buehler is working his way back from a second Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair that has kept him out of big league action since June 10, 2022.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipates the 29-year-old making one more rehab start before potentially rejoining the Dodgers this week.
Buehler’s imminent return comes at a time in which the team’s pitching depth is being pushed to the limit. With Bobby Miller landing on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, L.A. has relied on Landon Knack and Kyle Hurt for spot starts.
Dodgers worried about Walker Buehler?
When Roberts was asked how Buehler’s pitch execution has been during his rehab assignment, he gave a very blunt answer. “Not great,” Roberts replied.
Roberts said the core of Buehler’s issues has been his command, which was evident by the former first-round draft pick throwing strikes on just 34 of 68 pitches in his most recent start.
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