Dodgers’ Walker Buehler comes off the injured list but struggles to find his All-Star form in his start against the Brewers.
After missing the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, Walker Buehler aims to return to his All-Star form and contribute to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ playoff push. However, his performance this season indicates that he still has significant progress to make.
Buehler returned from the injured list on Wednesday after nearly two months sidelined with right hip inflammation, but he was unable to maintain an early 3-0 lead, resulting in a 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The two-time All-Star struck out three batters but walked four, allowing three hits and four runs—one of which was earned—in 3 1/3 innings.
Currently, Buehler holds a 1-4 record with a 5.58 ERA across nine starts this season.
“I feel closer than I did a couple of months ago, but at the end of the day, I know there’s a standard of performance here, and I’m very aware of where I stand,” Buehler said. “I’m just trying to keep doing the right things and hope it all comes together.”
Buehler, who finished ninth in the NL Cy Young Award voting in 2019 and fourth in 2021, earned All-Star selections in both years. However, his 2022 season was cut short in June due to Tommy John surgery, and he missed all of last year while recovering.
Before his hip injury, he struggled with inconsistency in his eight starts this season. Now, he’s focused on regaining the form he had before his elbow issues.
Buehler’s Wednesday performance highlighted his recent challenges. He walked the first three batters he faced but managed to escape the inning without giving up runs, thanks to a strong throw from center fielder Kevin Kiermaier that completed a double play.
However, he allowed three runs in the next inning, with Jake Bauers hitting a home run after Buehler mislocated a pitch.
“From the eye test, he was out of sync tonight,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked. “His throw and delivery were inconsistent, and he struggled to get ahead in counts, which makes it difficult to pitch.”
Buehler is well aware of his struggles. “There are just too many misfires and too many holes in my delivery where things can go wrong,” he admitted.
This marked Buehler’s first major league appearance since June 18 due to his hip issue. In three rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he allowed nine earned runs in 12 2/3 innings.
The NL West-leading Dodgers are eager for Buehler to regain his top form as they navigate a season impacted by injuries to their pitching staff, including the recent announcement that River Ryan will undergo Tommy John surgery next week.
Buehler has noticed signs of improvement, feeling more confident in warmups and bullpen sessions, but he now needs to translate that into effective game performance.
