Walker Buehler Returns to the Injured List
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a familiar yet unwelcome scenario, as pitcher Walker Buehler heads back to the injured list due to right hip inflammation. This development raises significant concerns for a team that has already had its share of injury woes in the pitching department.
After missing most of the 2022 season and all of 2023 following a second Tommy John surgery, Buehler struggled to regain his exceptional form displayed between 2018 and 2021. During those peak years, he solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Dodgers' rotation by winning 39 games and maintaining an ERA never above 3.44.
2024 Struggles After Comeback
Since returning on May 8, 2024, Buehler has struggled noticeably. Over eight starts, he holds a 1-4 record with a dismal 5.84 ERA. His latest outing in Colorado exemplified these struggles, where he stayed in the game despite taking a line drive off the hip. He gave up seven runs on seven hits, including two home runs, reinforcing the notion that he is far from his former dominating self. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Buehler had been battling soreness in his hip for several starts and expressed hope that time on the injured list would allow him to regroup both physically and mentally.
Roberts succinctly put it, "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 echoed this sentiment, stating, "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."
Bobby Miller Activated
As a corresponding move, the Dodgers activated pitcher Bobby Miller. Miller has been sidelined since April 10 due to right shoulder inflammation. Now in his second major league season, Miller has shown flashes of promise. Although his record this year stands at 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA over three starts, his rookie season in 2023 left a strong impression.
Miller’s return adds much-needed depth to a Dodgers pitching staff severely impacted by injuries. His presence will help cover the loss of Buehler, at least in the interim, providing the Dodgers with some stability in a rotating cast of starting pitchers.
Looking Forward
Despite recent struggles, Buehler's career statistics remain impressive. Over seven seasons, he has amassed a 47-20 record with a sterling 3.17 ERA. The Dodgers are hopeful that with rest and rehabilitation, Buehler will be able to return to his top form. His resilience and dedication to the team's future cannot be understated.
Injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable aspect of Major League Baseball, and the Dodgers have repeatedly demonstrated their depth and flexibility in the face of such adversities. The team's robust pitching staff, highlighted by the likes of Bobby Miller, provides some reassurance as they navigate yet another injury setback.
All eyes will be on Buehler's recovery and return to the mound. While the road to comeback has proven rocky, the potential for Buehler to reclaim his place as a linchpin in the Dodgers' rotation is a storyline filled with anticipation. His successful return could serve as a pivotal boost as the team looks to make another deep postseason run.
Until then, the Dodgers will continue to leverage their depth and resilience, hoping that Miller and the rest of the pitching staff can carry the load in Buehler’s absence. With the right mix of rest, rehabilitation, and determination, there remains a strong belief that Walker Buehler will once again shine as one of MLB's elite pitchers.