When Will Walker Buehler Rejoin the Dodgers’ Rotation?

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler could possibly return to the hill as soon as the series with the Milwaukee Brewers, Dave Roberts told reporters, including Dodgers Nation’s J.P. Hoornstra.

Although the Dodgers-Brewers series begins Monday, it’s likely Buehler’s comeback to the Los Angeles rotation will be in the second or third game of the series on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“Walker was good yesterday and got into the sixth inning which was really good to see,” Roberts said. “The performance and stuff, all of that was lined up to imagine him making a start for us in Milwaukee seem feasible.”

Buehler likely made his final rehab start on Thursday for Oklahoma City. He retired 13 straight batters, earned five strikeouts, and allowed just one hit through 5 2/3 innings. His outing was by far the best start the right-hander has had in Triple-A.

Buehler’s four-seam fastball averaged 94.1 mph. The Dodgers pitcher threw his three hardest pitches throughout his rehab stint in Thursday’s game.

Buehler’s performance for Oklahoma City was the third time between both the majors and minors that he pitched into the sixth inning out of 17 starts this season. It was a quality start that the Dodgers are desperate to have from their starting pitchers.

The 30-year-old has been on the 15-day injured list since June due to right hip inflammation. Numerous starters on the Dodgers rotation have spent time on the injured list this year, including Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In a rotation that’s been hampered by injury, the imminent return of Buehler is encouraging.

Through three rehab starts for Oklahoma City, Buehler posted 14 strikeouts and allowed nine runs on 16 hits.

Los Angeles has been plagued by numerous injuries this season, but in recent days, many injured Dodgers are on the brink of returning to the team including Buehler, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Tommy Edman.

“It’s coming along well,” Roberts said of the myriad injured players. “I’m encouraged.”

This positive news couldn’t come at a better time for the Dodgers who need every weapon in their arsenal to sustain the lead in the National League West division race. Los Angeles holds a 2.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks are just 3.5 games behind.

With Buehler now slotting back into the Dodgers rotation, Los Angeles is restoring the pivotal pieces that the club needs for a sufficient run deep into the postseason.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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