Walker Buehler is still working his way back to the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in August 2022.
There was a chance Buehler was going to pitch for the Dodgers near the end of the 2023 season, but he was instead shut down to focus on the future. In Spring Training, Buehler has been throwing bullpen sessions, with his most reason one taking place Saturday.
Depending on how that went, the next step would have been to face live hitters, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. However, Buehler will throw at least one more bullpen session before reaching that point.
“Walker looked good, (but) I think he’s still searching,” Roberts said on Sunday. “The ball is coming out well, but I think he needs another ‘pen. He’s still kind of in — not rehab mode — but he’s got to get to the point where you’re getting hitters out. He’s not quite there yet.
“He’s still working through some things in his delivery. He’ll get there. The most important thing is the teeth of the baseball is good and the life of the baseball coming out is good as well.”
Roberts further clarified Buehler’s main issues he’s trying to fix are related to his mechanics.
“Walker is a guy that has really good feel for his body, body awareness, where his hand is supposed to be,” Roberts said. “He’s just not repeating it and getting the feel that he feels he needs to have.”
Buehler’s last appearance in an MLB game was on June 10, 2022, meaning it will be nearly two years since that day when he is expected to return. Because of the lengthy rehab process, Roberts is not surprised or concerned it’s taking Buehler so long to find his mechanics.
Walker Buehler unlikely to pitch in Dodgers Spring Training
The Dodgers already ruled out Buehler for the Opening Day roster despite the progression in his rehab. Buehler said he is ahead of schedule and there have seemingly been no issues, but the Dodgers are prioritizing his availability for postseason rather than the early months of the season.
The Dodgers have been slow playing Buehler, and according to Roberts, the right-hander probably won’t make a start in Spring Training. Once he starts pitching in games, it’s likely Buehler will need at least a month worth of rehab games.
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