Buehler to make 1st start since 2022 on Monday
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler will make his long-awaited return from the injured list Monday when he starts against the Miami Marlins, manager Dave Roberts announced, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
"The plan is Walker's going to start on Monday," Roberts said after Wednesday's 8-0 over the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to The Associated Press. "We're excited about that. Everything checked out. It'll be good."
Buehler, who has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, last appeared in the majors in June 2022. His surgery marked the second time he underwent a reconstructive elbow procedure in his professional career.
The 29-year-old was sharp in his final rehab outing for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, allowing one run with five strikeouts over five innings. In six minor-league rehab appearances, Buehler posted a 4.15 ERA with 21 strikeouts and nine walks.
Buehler boosts an already formidable Dodgers rotation that features fellow stars Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He also brings some relief to a staff that's been decimated by injuries in 2024. Including Buehler, L.A. has seven starters and 11 total pitchers on the IL.
A two-time All-Star, Buehler finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 2021, his last full season.