The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Walker Buehler off the 15-day injured list and optioned Landon Knack to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Buehler is the scheduled starter for Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Buehler made his 2024 debut in May after missing the entire 2023 season due to a second career Tommy John surgery. He struggled through eight starts before going on the IL with right hip inflammation.
Before landing on the IL, Buehler pitched to a 5.84 ERA with a 6.07 FIP, 4.91 xERA, 1.51 WHIP, .297 average against, and saw his strikeout rate drop to just 18.5%, nearly 10 points below his career mark. In addition, he also allowed home runs at a staggering rate of 2.43 per nine innings.
Buehler took some time away from the team while on the IL and went to Cressey Sports Performance in Florida in an effort to correct various issues that plagued him.
He remained in contact with Dodgers pitching coaches during that time and rejoined the team during a homestand last month.
He began a rehab assignment with OKC on July 26 and made three starts there. His last one proved to be his best when he allowed just one run over 5.1 innings with five strikeouts.
Overall, Buehler allowed a combined nine runs on 16 hits, and had 14 strikeouts over 12.2 innings in his starts.
Buehler is aware he needs to contribute to keep his spot on the team and wants to help the club win another World Series. With the pressure that comes with that, he’s embracing it rather than backing down.
Landon Knack optioned
Knack was recalled and added to the bullpen when River Ryan was placed on the IL on Sunday. Knack did not end up appearing in a game until Tuesday.
The right-hander pitched the final four innings of the Dodgers’ win versus the Brewers, giving up just one run on three hits and earning his first career save in the process.
Overall this season, Knack has thrown 48 innings with a 3.00 ERA, 4.72 FIP, 1.00 WHIP while striking out 22.6% of hitters and walking 6.2%.
He figures to be back with the club at some point this season, whether it’s to start games or provide relief out of the bullpen.
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