What is Walker Buehler’s challenge before returning to the MLB?

Walker Buehler’s return to Major League Baseball is getting closer, and the Los Angeles Dodgers hope to regain their best version. The right-hander has spent all of 2023 and these four months of 2024 recovering from his second Tommy John operation, and his return to the first team has been delayed by his last outing in the Minor Leagues.

Buehler pitched again for Triple-A Oklahoma City this Wednesday in Albuquerque. Depending on his feelings, the Dodgers will decide whether to include him in the starting rotation next week or if he will continue preparing in the Minor Leagues. There is no rush to bring him back since the goal is for him to be 100 percent in October when he starts the postseason.

Walker Buehler’s Challenge

In his last game with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was expected to throw between 80 and 85 pitches, but he was replaced after 2.2 innings last Thursday. Walker Buehler made a rehab start for OKC, but a big inning by Sacramento’s offense sent OKC to an 8-4 loss at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. He allowed two runs in the first inning, and during an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he said that his mission is to add more velocity to his pitches before returning to the Major Leagues.

“I think everyone believes that the adrenaline of pitching in the MLB helps you throw harder. My speed was okay, but I can still improve it. For many years, you have noticed that I have a lot of emotions when I get on the mound, and it is no secret that I am very excited to be able to return,” Walker Buehler commented that he has not played a game in the MLB since June 2022.

In the season before his injury, Walker Buehler was averaging a pitch of 95.2 miles per hour, something he has improved over the last four games he has played in the Minor Leagues this year. The right-hander has reached 95.9 miles per hour and said he can still improve before returning to the Dodgers’ rotation.