Los Angeles Dodgers top pitching prospect Walker Buehler was back on the mound Wednesday night looking to erase what was a forgetful debut with Triple-A Oklahoma City. In that outing, Buehler failed to record an out, allowed four runs and was removed after 29 pitches in the first inning.
He fared much better against the Reno Aces, throwing five innings while allowing just one run. Buehler’s start did begin on a rocky note, as he allowed a leadoff triple despite getting ahead on the batter 0-2.
The runner scored on a groundout in an inning that saw Buehler record two strikeouts, his first at the Triple-A level. Buehler retired seven batters in a row before issuing a leadoff walk in the fourth inning.
He responded by striking out the side to complete another scoreless frame. Buehler somewhat surprisingly returned to the mound in the fifth, and he set the Aces down in order.
He capped off the strong start by striking out Aces starter Frank Duncan to end the inning. Buehler finished the game with nine strikeouts, which was one shy of matching a season high set with Double-A Tulsa.
The 22-year-old began the season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He made five starts for the Quakes and 11 with the Drillers prior to joining Oklahoma City. This season is Buehler’s first full year since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
There’s a strong sense he’ll join the Dodgers once active rosters expand in September to contribute as a relief pitcher.
