Los Angeles Dodgers’ Walker Buehler Progressing in Rehab, Set to Face Hitters in Arizona
Dodgers' rotation looks for stability as Buehler inches closer to his return.
As the 2023 season progresses, the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced an unusually rocky journey in their rotation, mainly due to injuries plaguing their key players.
Notably, Clayton Kershaw remains sidelined due to shoulder soreness, while fellow left-hander Julio Urias had been hampered by a nagging hamstring strain before his recent return. Moreover, hard-throwing righty Dustin May suffered a re-injury to his elbow, leaving him out for the foreseeable future.
However, amidst the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for the Dodgers’ rotation. Walker Buehler, the right-hander, has been making steady progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, and the latest update brings even more positive news.
According to Dodgers’ general manager Brandon Gomes, Buehler is scheduled to face hitters in Arizona this week, as reported by Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. This development is significant for the Dodgers, as they are in dire need of stability in their rotation.
In his last full season, the now 29-year-old Buehler showcased his prowess as one of the sport’s finest starting pitchers. He boasted an impressive 2.47 ERA and a career-high 212 strikeouts, earning an All-Star selection and finishing fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting back in 2021.
With a goal to return to the Dodgers’ lineup on September 1, Buehler remains on track to potentially make his comeback in the final month of the regular season.
Though not confirmed yet, it is likely that the pitcher will undergo a rehab assignment before rejoining the big league action. If everything goes smoothly this week and during his rehab stint, Buehler could take the mound at Dodger Stadium during the critical stretch run of the season, which the team hopes will lead to a successful playoff campaign.
