Walker Buehler DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler (shoulder) is expected to return for the team's series against the Mets that goes from May 19-21, according to manager Alex Cora. The 30-year-old has been on the 15-day injured list with minor bursitis in his right shoulder. Before going down with the injury, the 2x All-Star was 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA (3.72 xFIP), 1.22 WHIP, and a 14.3 percent K-BB%, but had been more effective than those numbers suggest over his last four starts with three of those four registering as quality starts (2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP). Although the righty doesn't strike out as many batters as he used to, he should be a solid back-end option for fantasy once he returns. Hunter Dobbins, who has looked good in limited action, will get another turn through the rotation next week against the Pirates, but could be the odd man out once Buehler returns.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler (shoulder) played catch at Fenway Park before the team's win over the visiting Texas Rangers on Thursday, according to manager Alex Cora. The Red Sox placed Buehler on the 15-day injured list last Friday with minor bursitis in his right shoulder. Because the 30-year-old has yet to resume throwing off a mound, it might be unlikely that he'll be activated from the IL when he's first eligible on May 14. Buehler allowed nine earned runs on 14 hits (three home runs) in 9 1/3 innings in his first two starts of the year against the Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, but he was better in his next four starts (seven earned runs, 22 K's, eight walks) before landing on the IL. Overall, he's gone 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings over his six starts. Buehler should be back in Boston's rotation sooner than later.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler (shoulder) said he's doing well and dealing with minor bursitis in his right shoulder. Buehler added that if it was late in the season, he'd push through it, but since it's early in the year, he's trying to be smart about it. The 30-year-old veteran thinks he'll be on the injured list for the minimum of 15 days. He was placed on the IL last Friday after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder in his last outing on April 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays, and he'll be eligible to return to Boston's starting rotation on May 14. In his last three starts, Buehler allowed six earned runs on 14 hits while walking seven and striking out 15 over 18 innings, recording two quality starts. Buehler has been cleared of structural damage and will resume playing catch this week. The two-time All-Star has gone 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA (4.26 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 29 K's and nine walks in his first six starts for Boston.