Walker Buehler Returns to the Injured List
Walker Buehler, the talented right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has once again found himself on the injured list. This time, it's due to inflammation in his right hip. Buehler's battle with injuries has been well-documented, having missed most of the 2022 season and all of 2023 after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery. The road to recovery has been anything but smooth for the pitcher who was once a cornerstone of the Dodgers' rotation.
Challenges After Comeback
From 2018 to 2021, Buehler was a beacon of consistency and excellence, winning 39 games with an ERA never exceeding 3.44. He was a crucial part of the Dodgers' rotation and played a significant role in their successes. However, his comeback in 2024 has been fraught with challenges. Since May 8, 2024, Buehler has registered a 1-4 record with a 5.84 ERA over eight starts, indicating that he has struggled to rediscover his pre-injury form.
His latest outing against the Colorado Rockies highlighted these struggles. Despite taking a line drive off the hip, Buehler remained in the game but ended up surrendering seven runs on seven hits, including two home runs. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Buehler's hip had been sore for several starts, further complicating his return to form. Roberts expressed hope that a stint on the injured list would allow Buehler to regroup both physically and mentally.
Bobby Miller Activated
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers have activated Bobby Miller, another promising pitcher in their ranks. Miller has not pitched since April 10 due to right shoulder inflammation. Now in his second major league season, Miller has shown glimpses of potential, holding a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA in his three starts this year. His rookie season in 2023 was particularly impressive, and his return is a welcome addition to a Dodgers pitching staff that has been affected by various injuries.
Looking Forward
Despite his recent struggles, Buehler's career statistics remain impressive. Over seven seasons, he has accumulated a 47-20 record with a 3.17 ERA. The Dodgers are optimistic that with sufficient rest, Buehler can return to his top form and once again become a dominant force on the mound. Buehler has shown resilience and dedication, qualities that bode well for his future with the team.
Injuries are an inevitable part of Major League Baseball, and the Dodgers have demonstrated their depth and flexibility in coping with these challenges. The addition of Bobby Miller to the active roster helps mitigate the loss of Buehler, providing the team with a capable arm in the rotation.
All eyes will be on Buehler's recovery and eventual return. Both Dave Roberts and Buehler have spoken about the importance of this recovery period. Roberts mentioned, "I think [he's] a little bit sort of finding himself again. I think he's still in search mode. So, as he's getting back to health, I think for the mind and some clarity, I think this will be a good thing."
Buehler himself expressed his determination to contribute to the team's success: "It sucks to feel kind of invaluable, or like you're hampering your team. At the end of the day, we really like our team and want to be ready for the end of the year. And I'm going to do whatever I need to do to feel like I can help our team at the end of the year, and do everything in my power to be valuable enough to be on those rosters."
As the Dodgers continue their campaign, the hope is that Buehler's time on the injured list will be a short and productive one, allowing him to return stronger and more confident. The team's depth, exemplified by players like Bobby Miller stepping up, ensures that they remain competitive even in the face of adversity. The resilience of the Dodgers' pitching staff will be crucial as they navigate the rest of the season.