Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Sets High Expectation for Walker Buehler As Return Nears

When Walker Buehler underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery for the second time in his career in August 2022, the chances of him contributing to the team in the 2023 season looked slim.

Recovery from Tommy John surgery normally takes at least a year, and in some cases, it takes two seasons to fully recover.

Fortunately for the Dodgers, who have been without Clayton Kershaw since late June, they could welcome Buehler back to the mound this season — and it could even be as a starter.

According to Dodger Insider, Buehler is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday in San Diego Friday, when the Dodgers are set to begin a four-game series against the Padres. And the best-case scenario includes him coming back not just as a contribuor, but as a starting pitcher.

Walker Buehler will throw a bullpen in San Diego on Friday. Dave Roberts said best-case scenario for him this year is that he can be built up to start. That’s best-case.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 4, 2023

A few weeks ago, Buehler said that he intends to make his return by Sept. 1, meaning he could contribute four or five starts before the postseason begins.

Prior to his injury in 2022, Buehler held a 4.02 ERA across 12 starts. Compared to his blistering 33-game, 2.47 ERA campaign in 2021, last season's performance doesn't jump off the page. But Buehler has proven time and time again that he can be a lethal threat from the mound.

The Dodgers are currently two games ahead in the race for the top spot in the NL West, fighting off the Arizona Diamondbacks, who were first for much of the season.

Kershaw and Julio Urias have both missed significant time this season, and the Dodgers have had to rely on three rookies, with mixed results. Bobby Miller has shown flashes of greatness but has struggled at times in July. Michael Grove holds a 6.75 ERA and allowed 8 ER against the Cincinnati Reds in his last outing. Emmet Sheehan holds an 8.83 ERA over his last four starts but threw five scoreless innings a few days ago against the Reds.

Buehler's return would be welcomed by a Dodger team in need of another strong starter.