Los Angeles Dodgers' Star Checks Another Box in Return From Major Surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers' ace Walker Buehler passed another test on Tuesday as he continues to work back from 2022 Tommy John surgery: facing live hitters.
Per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times on social media:
Walker Buehler said he felt good during his live BP yesterday, and that his fastball was sitting 94-95 mph
He said he’ll probably need another 3-4 live BPs before being ready for game action, but sounded encouraged about his progress lately
It's been an interesting rehab process for Buehler. First, we thought he may be an option for the Dodgers in the playoffs last year. Then, even though he was close enough to game-ready last season, we heard he wasn't going to start the year with the big league club and likely wouldn't pitch at all in Cactus League games.
Regardless, getting a live BP session out of the way is good for Buehler, who is a vital part of the Dodgers' organization.
The 29-year-old is a two-time All-Star who helped LA win the 2020 World Series. Lifetime, he's 46-16 with a 3.02 ERA. He won 16 games back in the 2021 season, the most recent season in which he was fully healthy.
When he eventually does join the rotation, he'll join the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, James Paxton and Bobby Miller. Clayton Kershaw is out until at least July after undergoing shoulder surgery. Unfortunately, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are also expected to miss most or all of the season because of arm injuries.
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