Dodgers’ Walker Buehler Makes First Triple-A Rehab Start
With several expletives inserted into a post on social media late Sunday night, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler shared his excitement about being back on a mound in a game that counted — even if it was only a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“I f****ed it all up but god d**n it was good to be back out there,” Buehler posted on his Twitter/X account.
Buehler has been recovering from Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair in his right elbow. He hasn’t been in the Dodgers’ lineup since June 2022. However, he did appear in a Triple-A rehab game last September and retired all six batters he faced on 24 pitchers.
On Sunday night, Buehler’s windup was a familiar sight, and he retired the first seven batters he faced. He threw 54 pitches (31 strikes) and faced 15 batters before exiting the game in the fourth inning. Buehler allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits, including a home run, and faced 15 batters in 3 1/3 innings. He was charged with the loss.
Buehler seemed to be cruising through the Tacoma lineup until the third inning began. He only retired three of his final seven batters faced. According to Dodgers Nation’s J.P. Hoornstra, the goal for Buehler entering his rehab start was to pitch four to five innings:
The most important thing for Buehler after this start is how he feels physically. If he can bounce back without any issues, he might only make another start or two in Triple-A before appearing in a Dodgers uniform again.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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