Walker Buehler Could Return to Dodgers Sooner Rather Than Later

As the Dodgers season gets into the thick of everything, the team is patiently waiting for one key member to return to the squad. That would be starting pitcher Walker Buehler, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Buehler’s season was expected to be delayed while he fully gains his strength back. The thought was that Buehler may return sometime in May, but we may see him sooner than anticipated.

The veteran starter threw a simulated game earlier this week, right around 60 pitches. He has ramped up his work to return, and will be throwing a rehab start in Triple-A on Sunday. He’s expected to throw 40-50 pitches, per Roberts.

Roberts also said that Buehler will likely throw somewhere around four rehab starts, which would put him on pace for a return sometime in April assuming all goes well.

This is great news for the Dodgers, as the entire organization is excited to see Buehler return. Before his injury, he was one of the better pitchers in baseball, so they will be looking to see if he can replicate his production.

Buehler is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season, but he has spoken about his mindset changing since the injury. The right-hander just wants to get back to feeling like himself and then let the numbers do the talking for him.

Luckily for Los Angeles, the front office built their starting rotation with strong depth this offseason to allow more time for Buehler to heal. They should be able to maintain themselves until he can return — but make no mistake, once he’s back, Buehler will have all eyes on him.

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!