Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Addresses the Latest With Walker Buehler

Apr 04, 2024

When Walker Buehler underwent his second Tommy John surgery in August of last year, no one knew when we would see the pitcher on the mound again.

Now that it’s been over a year since the surgery, Buehler is ramping up his rehab to be back on the mound before the season ends. While we do know that Buehler has been throwing to batters and is getting ready for a rehab assignment, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman provided an update on Buehler’s availitbily.

“He is pushing hard because he’s as good of a competitor as I’ve been around. And so our thing is, he’s pushing hard, we’re making sure the doctor and our training staff were in lock step every step of the way,” Friedman said. “And so for me, it’s either going to fall out and him get back at some point in September, and if so, that’s incredible. But I’m trying not to let my mind go there because I want it to be if it’s right for Walker and we’re not pushing it at all.”

The Dodgers are remaining cautious when it comes to bringing Buehler back. It is rare that pitchers need to get Tommy John twice. The Dodgers are going to need Buehler to be as good as he was before his injury.

In his career, Buehler has a 3.02 ERA and averages over nine K/9. When he was healthy he was the Dodgers number two starter behind Clayton Kershaw.

The updates from his rehab do sound promising, however. Even though they are being cautious, it is very realistic that Buehler will be back in the next month according to Friedman.

“He is doing incredibly well, I know from the minute, he could start his rehab process he has attacked it all with the mind of getting back in September to help us in October. Right when he got diagnosed, his mind immediately shifted to that, but he has assured us that if there are any hiccups along the way that, you know, we’ll kick the can to next year. But so far, he’s doing really well. Where this ends up, I don’t know yet.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared on Sunday that the club still doesn’t have a timeframe set for Buehler to begin a rehab assignment but he believes a mid to late September return is still possible.

It is not clear yet what Buehler’s role will be once he gets back to the team. The rotation could use another pitcher as it seems that Kershaw, Julio Urias, Bobby Miller and Lance Lynn will be pitching in the postseason.

Buehler could slide in to be the necessary fifth man if times get tough in October.

Buehler could also find his way into the bullpen for the month. Other than Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips, the Dodgers haven’t had a right-handed pitcher be very consistent in relief this year.

The 29-year-old could be beneficial to Dave Roberts out of the pen as another option.

No matter what his role is, Friedman’s comments should get Dodgers fans excited that Buehler will be back soon.

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Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports