While the Los Angeles Dodgers were completing their four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, Walker Buehler was in the Pacific Northwest with Triple-A Oklahoma City for the beginning of a rehab assignment.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts initially said the plan was for Buehler to go four or five innings in the outing against the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners affiliate) but that was revised to 30 to 45 pitches.
“Hopefully he gets through three innings,” Roberts said with Sunday. “And I think with Walker, he’s just got so many different pitches and weapons. The most important part is the buildup and the execution.
“And then as you get out there further, then it’s the results. And so like I said the other day, I think the thing is for him, and for us, is when he does come, he’s got to be built up to pitch a Major League game and be ready to go six innings, 90 pitches.”
I f****ed it all up but god d**n it was good to be back out there! https://t.co/1HlxvuPzij
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) April 1, 2024
Buehler retired the first seven batters faced and went on to throw 54 pitches (31 strikes) over 3.1 innings. He didn’t allow a baserunner until issuing a one-out walk in the third, and a second walk in the inning was followed by allowing a two-out base hit that scored both runners, though only one was earned.
Buehler gave up a solo home run and one-out base hit in the fourth inning prior to being replaced by Gus Varland. He was tabbed with the loss as the Oklahoma City Baseball Club fell 7-6.
Buehler’s fastball velocity topped out at 95.7 mph and averaged 94.2 mph.
The game was Buehler’s first since he started for the Dodgers on June 10, 2022. He exited that outing due to right elbow discomfort and later underwent a second career Tommy John surgery in addition to a flexor tendon repair.
Next step for Walker Buehler
Roberts recently remarked that Buehler would potentially be returning soon, and earlier than the initial projection. However, he also added Buehler’s rehab assignment was expected to last around four starts.
The right-hander is due to be back with the team at Dodger Stadium on Monday before continuing with his rehab assignment, either pitching for Oklahoma City or another Dodgers Minor League affiliate.
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