LOS ANGELES — It's been 22 months since Walker Buehler pitched in a significant league recreation. Monday in opposition to the Marlins will mark the primary time on a significant league mound for the Dodgers right-hander in 696 days.
Buehler had Tommy John surgical procedure – the second of his profession – in addition to flexor tendon restore in his proper elbow in August 2022. The lengthy street again included. a lot rehab at Camelback Ranch, and a complete of seven minor league rehab video games, one final yr and 6 to begin this season, the final of which lasted 75 pitches over 5 innings final Tuesday in Oklahoma Metropolis, when he allowed one run and struck out 5. .
“5 innings is an enormous mark by way of rehab video games to begin within the massive leagues. If you happen to can't try this, it's arduous to say you're prepared,” Buehler mentioned Friday at Dodger Stadium. “Well being-wise, I'm feeling good proper now. It's simply form of getting all of the rhythm again. I believe the large league recreation, the large league atmosphere will certainly assist me by way of, hopefully a bit of little bit of velocity, however greater than something time and supply work finest once you're a bit of amped up.”
Buehler final month talked about returning to competitors, and wished to see how he reacted to dealing with actual recreation competitors as an alternative of bullpen periods and mock video games throughout spring coaching. However there's solely a lot the minors can supply the ultra-competitive, two-time All-Star.
“To be fairly frank with you, there’s not a lot of it for me down there. I want it have been there, I want it was simpler for me to go, and I want I didn't sound like shit to say that” , Buehler mentioned. “However getting the adrenaline rush of pitching within the massive leagues is one thing I've been searching for for a very long time.”
Buehler will get that probability Monday in opposition to the Marlins pitching at Dodger Stadium, the place he has a 2.59 ERA with 435 strikeouts in 385⅔ profession innings, together with the postseason.
Though he has been in Los Angeles in between minor league begins, and has been round Dodger Stadium at instances whereas rehabbing, to be again in an actual recreation right here is one thing Buehler has actually missed.
“Staying away is tough. You're right here lengthy sufficient, you develop relationships with everybody, from the highest of this group to the clubbies,” he mentioned. “You're simply snug right here, and I believe that's why everybody desires to come back again right here, as a result of it's a snug place and someplace you’re feeling appreciated. So, to be within the desert for a yr and to overlook the primary month and a half , or no matter it’s, it's proper.”
How a lot Buehler will pitch this season stays in query. He solely pitched a complete of 67 innings between the majors and minors in 2022-2023, and solely two of these frames have been final yr. This yr, Buehler has already pitched 21⅔ innings within the minors.
“I believe he shall be open, learn and react. Clearly his well being is crucial factor going ahead,” mentioned supervisor Dave Roberts. “It may very well be a state of affairs the place, from Monday on, he makes each begin. It may very well be a time the place he may must take a shot. … It will likely be contingent on how he feels.
“As we used the remaining, the spot starters, and issues like that, I believe we will handle the workload. However I believe nobody can say now what that quantity is.”
However worrying about what number of innings Buehler may pitch throughout this season is one thing to fret about down the street. Monday is a time for celebration as Buehler will lastly be again on the mound for the Dodgers.
He was requested Friday if he nonetheless has butterflies in his abdomen earlier than beginning.
“So be it. I believe if I don't, there's one thing incorrect with me apart from my UCL. I need to,” Buehler mentioned. “It's such an enormous a part of being a beginning pitcher, and having the ability to have that form of possession of the sport. For me it's at all times been what gave me the butterflies or what it’s that the success of the entire group for That day is predicated on you. That's in all probability the factor I miss probably the most.”