LA Dodgers’ Walker Buehler Begins Rehab Assignment for Triple-A Return
Starting Pitcher Buehler Set to Make Comeback in Triple-A Game After Tommy John Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher, Walker Buehler, is on track to kick off his rehab assignment this weekend with the Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City Dodgers. As reported by Juan Toribio of MLB.com, Buehler, who has been sidelined due to Tommy John surgery since last season, will finally step back onto the mound in an official game for the first time since June 10, 2022, when he faced off against the San Francisco Giants.
With the 2023 season in sight, the 29-year-old right-hander has steadfastly aimed for his return, and this development marks a significant stride toward achieving that goal.
In a pivotal juncture of his year-long rehabilitation process, Buehler’s outing of one or two innings bears semblance to an extended spring training. If the Dodgers proceed down this path with Buehler, his potential comeback toward the latter part of September becomes conceivable, barring any unforeseen setbacks.
Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, has left little room for ambiguity regarding Buehler’s role upon his eventual return to the majors. Roberts firmly expressed his desire to reintegrate the former NL Cy Young Award contender as a starter, owing to Buehler’s familiarity with this role. The outcome of Buehler’s return to game action after a year’s hiatus remains uncertain, yet the prospect of his reintegration into the rotation before the playoffs holds immense promise. The Dodgers have faced challenges with pitcher Tony Gonsolin’s season-ending injury, underscoring the team’s urgent need for dependable depth.
“The hope is as a starter. That’s the expectation,” Roberts said. “I think the question remains how much of a buildup would it be? I think as a starter, there’s more certainty on when you’re gonna be pitching. That’s the routine that he’s used to. So that’s where all of our heads are at.”
via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register
Walker Buehler’s upcoming appearance in the Triple-A game carries substantial implications not only for his own journey back to peak performance but also for the Dodgers’ pursuit of a strong postseason. The anticipation of his triumphant return to the pitcher’s mound after a prolonged absence adds excitement and hope to the Dodgers’ fanbase and the baseball community at large.
