Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers get encouraging news on injured All-Star

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 8/31/23

Pitcher Walker Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery just a little over a year ago. The Los Angeles Dodgers ace looks poised to shatter his recovery timeline.

Buehler was given a 14-18 month road to recovery after his elbow procedure on August 23, 2022. Buehler is expected to take a major step toward getting back on the mound for the Dodgers this season.

According to the Dodgers Insider X account, Buehler is slated for a rehab start at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. Buehler could potentially pitch 1-2 innings.

Walker Buehler is likely for a rehab start Sunday at Triple-A Oklahoma City – possibly 1-2 innings.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 31, 2023

In May, Buehler set September 1 as his target return date. The ambitious goal would have beaten his expected recovery timeline by nearly two months. Despite being unable to meet his target, Buehler appears to be well on track for a return within the regular season.

Buehler already had Dodgers fans excited when he posted a clip of himsefl throwing full-effort pitches in July. Buehler pitching real innings in Triple-A would mean that the two-time All-Star is that much closer to reclaiming his spot in the Dodgers rotation.

A potential return would bolster an already dominant Dodgers side that boasts a top-three record in the majors through Thursday’s contests.

Buehler sported an ERA of 4.02 in 12 games during the 2022 MLB season before injury cut his season short. In 2021, he had arguably the best campaign of his career. Buehler had an ERA of 2.47 in 33 starts, which earned him his second All-Star nod and a fourth-place finish in the NL Cy Young Award race.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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