Dodgers News: Mark Prior Reveals Walker Buehler Never Completed Full Rehab Last Season
When Walker Buehler appeared in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City in early September, he was hopeful about making a return to Los Angeles for a playoff push.
Instead, he was shut down.
Now, a couple of weeks into spring, manager Dave Roberts isn’t sure when Buehler will officially return to the Dodgers.
“I don’t want to put pressure on the training staff or Walker. When he gets into the regular routine of facing hitters, extending [his outings], getting some length, then I think it will be more clear to project. But right now, I don’t even know time to return.”
Dave Roberts via L.A. Times
It’s an unexpected development but one that pitching coach Mark Prior isn’t surprised by.
“I don’t think, at least from my perspective, he ever actually completed that rehab. So it’s building him back up to get him to the point where he was at the end of [last year]. Finish and complete the rehab. And then make sure he’s ready to throw at this level.”
Mark Prior via L.A. Times
At this point, there hasn’t been a regression, but Buehler is making sure that he doesn’t miss any boxes on the rehab checklist. He is having to retrace some of his steps to complete the throwing program.
He’s hitting around 92 mph on his fastball in his bullpen sessions, which is good for February, but his command and execution are what peak Buehler looks like. In response, the Dodgers have limited the former ace to long toss and routine bullpen sessions.
“The throw, how it looks intensity-wise, the bounce-back, he’s in a great spot. I just don’t know exactly what that means as far as when he takes the mound in a real ballgame. I don’t know yet.
Dave Roberts via L.A. Times
His return timetable, which was once looking like April, could be later. It all depends on how he progresses, and maybe the earliest he could return is in May.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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He should hang it up! Buehler and May are just too injury prone.
Way to think positive moron.
Starting to agree. Trade them and get Blake snell
Fragile. Player.
Let the young man fully heal up. You Rush back from surgery too soon, you’ll end up hurt again. They over-pitched him anyway.
Let him heal. Also, it gives the younger guys opportunity.
Let him heal. Also, it gives the younger guys opportunity.
Guys that need 2 T.J. surgeries definitely have some kind of an issue. Delivery mechanics? Weak muscle/ligament fibers? Whatever the cause is, it doesn’t look encouraging for Buehler or May especially as starters. Dad-burnit!
May should be a Closer. His arm and that high stress delivery just does not make for a rebound as a starting pitcher. He has the juice to be a great closer but I think his days of starting are finished. But them that’s just me…
The issue with 2nd Tommy John is scar tissue from the 1st surgery. They have to replace the ligament again and they use the exact same spot as the first replacement, but the holes in the bone and ligaments are now covered with scar tissue and heal even worse the 2nd time. Hence why so many players can’t find the feel and get comfortable pitching. That’s why 2nd Tommy John has only a 60-70% success rate.
Dodgers had trainer named Bill Buehler decades ago. Wonder if they are related. Wonder if they are or were freemasons….I get that feeling on this one…