Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler will start a rehab task with Triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis on Sunday, with Alden González of ESPN amongst these to relay phrase from supervisor Dave Roberts. The righty will make no less than three rehab appearances earlier than rejoining the large league membership, the primary of which will likely be round one or two innings.
Buehler, 29, is a possible difference-maker down the stretch for the Dodgers, each due to his earlier ranges of excellence and the challenges the membership has confronted within the rotation this yr. From Buehler’s debut in 2017 by way of 12 begins final yr, he owns a profession earned run common of three.02 in 638 1/3 innings. He struck out 27% of batters confronted in that point whereas strolling simply 6.3% and preserving the ball on the bottom at a forty five.4% price.
Sadly, he required Tommy John surgical procedure in August of final yr, placing him on the shelf for the rest of that marketing campaign. It additionally was honest to marvel if he would have the ability to return at any level in 2023, on condition that the restoration interval from that process often pushes in the direction of the neighborhood of 14 months. Nevertheless, he has mentioned this yr that he would goal a return in September, which appears to nonetheless be on the desk.
Roberts mentioned Buehler returning as a reliever isn’t an possibility, so it appears the plan is for him to return as a starter, although he won’t have sufficient time to be totally ramped up at first. His rehab will begin with one to 2 innings, as talked about, presumably constructing his pitch depend step by step over a number of extra outings. He may then return to the large leagues in mid to late September, although maybe nonetheless requiring some type of bulk pitcher to come back in behind him.
Even with some limitations, the Dodgers would absolutely be thrilled with no matter Buehler can present. Their rotation has misplaced each Dustin Might and Tony Gonsolin to season-ending surgical procedures, whereas Michael Grove can be on the injured listing. They acquired Lance Lynn on the deadline and tried so as to add Eduardo Rodriguez as nicely, although he used his no-trade clause to dam the deal and stick with the Tigers.
They presently have Lynn, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías and Bobby Miller in 4 spots, with Ryan Yarbrough taking over bulk innings out of the bullpen. Youthful pitchers like Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Pepiot and Gavin Stone are on the 40-man and have been bouncing on and off the lively roster as wanted.
The membership is a lock to make the playoffs, as they’ve a 83-50 document and a 13.5-game lead within the Nationwide League West. That places them 9 video games forward of the Central-leading Brewers, making a first-round bye additionally a powerful risk. That ought to give them some flexibility with the rest of their schedule to get a take a look at Buehler, who may leap into the postseason rotation if all goes in line with plan within the subsequent few weeks. Whether or not he’s nonetheless restricted to brief outings or has been totally stretched out by that time will likely be decided within the weeks to come back. In 79 2/3 postseason innings for his profession, he has a 2.94 ERA.
Returning earlier than season’s finish would even be good for Buehler personally. He’s set to achieve free company after 2024, that means he would absolutely love to complete this yr robust earlier than going into an vital platform season.
