Walker Buehler of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes his comeback from the disabled list, but he struggles to return to his All-Star level in his opening game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Walker Buehler, who missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, is excited to get back to his All-Star level and help the Los Angeles Dodgers make a postseason run.
But as seen by his performance this season, he still has a ways to go.
After missing over two months due to right hip inflammation, Buehler was activated off the injured list on Wednesday. However, he was unable to maintain a 3-0 lead early in the Dodgers’ 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Over 3 1/3 innings, the two-time All-Star gave up three hits and four runs—one earned—while striking out three and walking four batters. In nine starts this season, the 30-year-old Buehler has a 1-4 record and a 5.58 ERA.
“As I’ve said, there’s a standard of performance here, and I’m very aware of where I’m kind of at in that standard,” Buehler remarked. “I feel closer than I did a couple months ago.” “Never stop plugging in.
“Hope” or “wish” aren’t the correct words to use, but if you keep doing the right things, hopefully everything will work out.
In the 2019 and 2020 NL Cy Young Award voting, Buehler placed ninth and fourth, respectively, and was selected to the All-Star Game in both seasons. But when he need Tommy John surgery in June, his 2022 season came to an end.
He recuperated for the entire previous season and is currently striving to reach his pre-recovery level of play.
“I haven’t been in for a while.”
His Wednesday performance demonstrated his current difficulties.
The first three batters Buehler faced were all walked. Thanks to a spectacular play by center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, who collected a fly ball from William Contreras and threw a 99-mph fastball to the plate to retire Brice Turang and complete a double play, he was able to end that inning without giving up any runs.
However, in the next inning, he let up three runs, tying the score. In the second inning, Buehler threw the ball too high and inside, missing his target and giving up a home run to Jake Bauers in right field.
“He was out of sync tonight, just based on the eye test,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated. “I believe that his throw lacked consistency and
He was assisting hitters. After that, you’re attempting to navigate back into counts. It is difficult to live that way. Buehler is aware of this.
Buehler remarked, “There are just too many misfires.” “My delivery contains far too many gaps where small things can go wrong.”
Due to his hip problem, Buehler hadn’t played in the major leagues since June 18. During his three rehab starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Buehler pitched 12 2/3 innings and gave up nine earned runs.
As they battle with injuries that have damaged their pitching depth this season, the Dodgers, who lead the NL West, are hoping that Buehler can get back to his best. The most recent problem was revealed on Tuesday, and River Ryan will undergo Tommy John surgery the following week.
Buehler perceives some progress. He believes that his performance in warm-ups and bullpen sessions has improved. He must now demonstrate that in real games.
“He’s still looking,” Roberts declared.
