After sitting out the entire 2023 season to recover from Tommy John surgery, Walker is determined to regain his All-Star form and help the Los Angeles Dodgers in their playoff push.
However, his performance this season suggests he still has some ground to cover.
Buehler returned from the injured list on Wednesday after nearly two months of recovery from right hip inflammation but couldn’t hold onto an early 3-0 lead as the Dodgers fell 5-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers.
The two-time All-Star struck out three, walked four, and allowed three hits and four runs—only one of which was earned—over 3 1/3 innings. At 30 years old, Buehler has posted a 1-4 record and a 5.58 ERA in nine starts this season.
“I feel closer than I did a couple months ago, but as I’ve said, at the end of the day, there’s a standard of performing here, and I’m very aware of where I stand in that standard,” Buehler said. “I’ll keep pushing forward.
‘Wish’ isn’t the right word, or ‘hope,’ but I’ll keep doing the right things, and it will come together.”
Buehler finished ninth in the NL Cy Young Award voting in 2019 and climbed to fourth two years later, earning All-Star selections in both seasons. However, his 2022 season was cut short in June due to the need for Tommy John surgery.
After missing the entire following season to recover, he is now working to regain his previous level of performance.
“I’ve been out for a long time, but I’ve also been healthy and throwing for a while, so I don’t have many excuses,” Buehler said. “I’ve been trying different things, but I haven’t quite found what works yet.”
His performance on Wednesday highlighted his recent struggles.
Buehler walked the first three batters he faced but managed to escape the inning unscathed, thanks to a crucial play by center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, who caught a fly ball from William Contreras and made a 99-mph throw to the plate to retire Brice Turang, completing a double play.
However, Buehler gave up three runs in the next inning, which tied the game. Jake Bauers hit a home run to right field in the second inning when Buehler missed his target, leaving the pitch too high and inside.
“Just from the eye test, he was out of sync tonight,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “His throws were inconsistent, and his delivery was off. He didn’t get ahead in the count very often tonight.”
Leave a Reply