Walker Buehler Returns to the Injured List
Walker Buehler has been placed on the injured list due to right hip inflammation, a setback that has continued his struggles since returning from a significant hiatus. Buehler missed most of the 2022 season and all of 2023 after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery. The road back to his former dominance has been challenging for the Dodgers' ace.
Early Career Success
From 2018 to 2021, Buehler was a linchpin in the Dodgers' rotation. During this period, he amassed an impressive 39 wins with an ERA that never exceeded 3.44, firmly establishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball. His contributions were pivotal in the Dodgers' successes during those seasons.
2024 Struggles After Comeback
However, the 2024 season has been a different story. Since making his comeback on May 8, 2024, Buehler has struggled significantly. He has recorded a 1-4 record with a 5.84 ERA over eight starts, far from the dominant performances he delivered earlier in his career. His most recent outing in Colorado was emblematic of his struggles, as he took a line drive off the hip but remained in the game, only to surrender seven runs on seven hits, including two home runs.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Buehler's hip had been sore for several starts. Roberts expressed hope that using the injured list would give Buehler the opportunity to regroup both physically and mentally. "I think [he's] a little bit sort of finding himself again. I think he's still in search mode. So, as he's getting back to health, I think for the mind and some clarity, I think this will be a good thing," Roberts said.
Bobby Miller Activated
As a corresponding move, the Dodgers have activated Bobby Miller from the injured list. Miller has been sidelined since April 10 due to right shoulder inflammation. Now in his second major league season, Miller has shown promise despite his brief absence. He has a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA over three starts this year and had an impressive rookie campaign in 2023.
The return of Miller adds much-needed depth to a Dodgers pitching staff that has been heavily impacted by injuries this season. His ability to step up in Buehler's absence will be crucial as the Dodgers navigate through the challenges posed by these injuries.
Looking Forward
Despite his recent struggles, Buehler's career statistics remain impressive. Over seven seasons, he has compiled a 47-20 record with a 3.17 ERA. The Dodgers are hopeful that the rest and recovery period will allow Buehler to return to his top form, which would be invaluable as they prepare for the latter stages of the season.
Buehler himself expressed his determination to contribute to the team's success. "It sucks to feel kind of invaluable, or like you're hampering your team. At the end of the day, we really like our team and want to be ready for the end of the year. And I'm going to do whatever I need to do to feel like I can help our team at the end of the year, and do everything in my power to be valuable enough to be on those rosters," Buehler said.
Resilience and Depth
Injuries are an inevitable part of Major League Baseball, and the Dodgers have demonstrated resilience and depth in managing these challenges. The activation of Bobby Miller and his performance will be closely watched as the team copes with the absence of Buehler. Stepping up in such situations speaks volumes about the depth and flexibility of the roster.
All eyes will now be on Buehler's recovery and eventual return. His resilience and dedication to the team's future are indicators of his importance to the Dodgers. As the season progresses, the contribution of players like Bobby Miller will be crucial in ensuring the Dodgers remain competitive.
The Dodgers' pitching staff, while currently strained, holds the potential for a strong comeback, particularly with Buehler's eventual return and Miller's promising performances. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the team navigates the coming months and positions itself for success when the stakes are highest.