Walker Buehler's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said ahead of Friday's series opener against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels that the club is still deciding what starting pitcher Walker Buehler's (hip) process on the injured list is going to look like. Roberts mentioned that the extra weight and strength Buehler put on this offseason might be impacting his mechanics. Buehler took a comebacker during Tuesday's start at Coors Field against the division-rival Colorado Rockies, and the Dodgers decided they had seen enough after the hurler gave up a season-worst seven runs by sending him to the IL with right hip inflammation on Wednesday. Buehler owns a rough 5.84 ERA (6.04 FIP), 1.51 WHIP, and 31:10 K:BB over eight starts (37 innings), and he may end up spending a considerable amount of time back in the minors on assignment to sharpen up his mechanics. There's a chance we won't see him again until after July's All-Star break.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler was knocked around against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, taking the loss in a 4-0 defeat. Buehler pitched just 3 IP and allowed three runs. He allowed five hits and two walks while striking out two. The 29-year-old was making his second start on the season after coming back from Tommy John surgery, and although it wasn't a disastrous outing, it certainly wasn't encouraging either. His limited pitch count and overall rustiness are to be expected, but fantasy managers were likely looking for a step in the right direction from his last outing, and that didn't happen on either front. It might be a while before we see the Walker Buehler that competed for a Cy Young, if we even see him at all this year.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (elbow) will make his return from Tommy John surgery on Monday to face the Miami Marlins, according to manager Dave Roberts. Buehler will come off the 15-day injured for his first start of 2024 after having elbow reconstruction in August of 2022. The 29-year-old didn't pitch at all in the big leagues last year. Because of his long layoff, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations, but if Buehler returns to his pre-injury form, he could be the difference-maker for fantasy staffs. In his six minor-league starts, he had a 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP with nine walks and 21 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings. Rust should be expected from Buehler, but his first start against Miami will be a great matchup for fantasy purposes.