When Walker Buehler appeared in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City in early September, he was hopeful about making a return to Los Angeles for a playoff push.
Instead, he was shut down.
Now, a couple of weeks into spring, manager Dave Roberts isn’t sure when Buehler will officially return to the Dodgers.
“I don’t want to put pressure on the training staff or Walker. When he gets into the regular routine of facing hitters, extending [his outings], getting some length, then I think it will be more clear to project. But right now, I don’t even know time to return.”
Dave Roberts via L.A. Times
It’s an unexpected development but one that pitching coach Mark Prior isn’t surprised by.
“I don’t think, at least from my perspective, he ever actually completed that rehab. So it’s building him back up to get him to the point where he was at the end of [last year]. Finish and complete the rehab. And then make sure he’s ready to throw at this level.”
Mark Prior via L.A. Times
At this point, there hasn’t been a regression, but Buehler is making sure that he doesn’t miss any boxes on the rehab checklist. He is having to retrace some of his steps to complete the throwing program.
He’s hitting around 92 mph on his fastball in his bullpen sessions, which is good for February, but his command and execution are what peak Buehler looks like. In response, the Dodgers have limited the former ace to long toss and routine bullpen sessions.
“The throw, how it looks intensity-wise, the bounce-back, he’s in a great spot. I just don’t know exactly what that means as far as when he takes the mound in a real ballgame. I don’t know yet.
Dave Roberts via L.A. Times
His return timetable, which was once looking like April, could be later. It all depends on how he progresses, and maybe the earliest he could return is in May.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!