Dodgers' Dave Roberts Provides Timeline For Walker Buehler to be Re-Evaluated Following Rehab Starts
The Dodgers get some good news regarding one of their most exciting pitchers.
Walker Buehler last pitched on an MLB mound on June 10, 2022. He then had season-ending elbow surgery and has spent the better part of two years rehabbing.
At multiple points last year, it looked like Buehler could make a push to return late in the season. However, as that time approached, the Dodgers shut him down citing him not recovering as well as they had hoped.
Now, the question is not "if" he makes a return, but "when" he will make his return to the field this year. According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said things are looking good for Buehler.
The Dodgers have slowly ramped Buehler up this season. They want him healthy in October and do not necessarily need him early in April.
Buehler has made two starts with the organization's Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City. He shined in his most recent one with a stat line of 4.2 IP / 2 H / 0 R / 6 K. His fastball hovered around 94mph and topped out near 96mph.
During spring training, Roberts was quoted saying that he expects Buehler to make three to four rehab starts before making his way onto the major league roster. Roberts appears to be sticking to this timeline now, saying that he expects Buehler to make at least one more start in OKC.
When he does make his return, the Dodgers will have to make room for him on the roster. Likely, that will involve optioning either Michael Grove or Gavin Stone.
Without giving up prospects, the Dodgers should be adding a former All-Star soon. With his ability to rise to the occasion, he could seriously help this team get over the hump in October.
