Dodgers’ Walker Buehler Throws Five Innings in What Could Be Final Minor League Rehab Game
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler allowed one run in five solid innings Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, possibly bringing his minor league rehabilitation stint to a close.
Buehler allowed seven hits, but only three clocked in at 100 mph or faster, according to Statcast. He did not walk a batter and struck out seven.
Buehler’s four-seam fastball — a triple-digit offering prior to Tommy John surgery in 2022 — averaged 92.9 mph and touched 94.3. Although the pitch did not generate any swings and misses, or swings on pitches out of the zone, he was able to balance it effectively with his cutter, slider, and sinker. Buehler’s knuckle-curveball proved to be an effective chase pitch, generating seven called strikes or whiffs (out of 13 total).
The 75-pitch effort in Buehler’s sixth rehab start could be his last before returning to the Dodgers’ major league roster. Buehler had yet to complete five innings in any of his first five outings, all with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said Buehler would need only one more rehab start before returning to the majors. That ostensibly depended on Buehler displaying some improvement in terms of results. Tuesday counts as an improvement.
A 5-inning, 75-pitch outing a week ago might have been enough to clear the way for Buehler’s return to the big leagues, so it’s highly likely he will make his 2024 debut at home against either the Atlanta Braves or Miami Marlins, who visit Dodger Stadium during a six-game homestand beginning Friday.
The Dodgers could use a veteran arm. They have already placed right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller (shoulder) on the injured list since the regular season began, and will play 13 games in as many days beginning with their May 10 game in San Diego.
Buehler, 29, is 46-16 with a 3.02 ERA in parts of six major league seasons, all with the Dodgers. He last pitched in 2022 before undergoing a Tommy John revision as well as flexor tendon surgery on his right elbow.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
