Dodgers News: Walker Buehler's return postponed after struggling in minor league start
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler is nearing a major league return; however, the latest update is about his performance in the minor leagues.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Buehler will make another minor league start before deciding on his major league return.
This comes after Buehler struggled in his fourth minor league start, where he gave up two earned runs in 2.2 innings for 68 pitches thrown. The Dodgers coaching staff wants Buehler to improve his command and execution before they line him up against a major league hitter.
The other thing is that the Dodgers want him to throw up to 85–90 pitches per outing in the minors. In his latest start, Buehler could only throw 34 strikes, highlighting his command issues from the mound. However, in his previous starts, he did hit over the 60% strike mark, a better strike-ball ratio.
Buehler, too, understands this, as he said he doesn't want to be in a position where he hurts his team. He wants to be fully prepared before he throws in the majors again.
Walker Buehler is slated to pitch against the Albuquerque Isotopes on Wednesday at Isotope Park.
Earlier, Buehler was scheduled to be activated but now it seems he will have to do well in his Wednesday start.
Andrew Friedman is happy with Walker Buehler's progress
Though Walker Buehler's starts haven't been great, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is happy with the pitcher's rehab starts.
“Actually watching his start last night, I think his stuff is in a really good spot,” said Friedman, who watched video of the outing. “I’ve seen it with a lot of major-league pitchers who are on a rehab assignment – the adrenaline is different.
"I don’t think we’ll have a really good answer until he’s built up and back. But we’ve all seen Walker a lot over the years and we would absolutely bet on him."
Friedman did acknowledge that Buehler's command lacked execution but his view of this rehab starts with an optimistic point of view.