Walker Buehler Acknowledges Decline In Stuff But Remains Confident

Walker Buehler made his long anticipated return to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this month, but has struggled in two starts after a lengthy rehab assignment.

The right-hander has allowed a combined six runs on 11 hits over 7.1 innings pitched, striking out six batters against two walks. Buehler’s fastball velocity topped out at over 97 mph in his 2024 debut, but his stuff has not looked sharp so far.

Buehler admitted he is still a long way from getting back to his previous All-Star form, and questions if he can get back, but remains confident he can get hitters out, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“In rehab, I think you get stuck in trying to feel good all the time and check all these boxes as opposed to pick your leg up and throw the ball,” Buehler said. “I think that’s probably the transition, is knowing that my stuff is good enough. It’s probably not gonna be what it was three years ago or four years ago or whatever it was, but I think my stuff is good enough and I just have to re-learn the chess game a little bit, I guess.”

Buehler previously estimated he would need at least three or four more outings to work on things before he starts to feel more like himself on the mound.

The 29-year-old knows he will need to be patient after missing nearly two years while recovering from a second Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair.

Before rejoining the Dodgers, Buehler went 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 21.2 innings pitched over six starts between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Walker Buehler’s next start

Buehler is set to face the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, which will be on an extra day of rest, as the Dodgers have given their starters in most games this year.

It will be an important game for Buehler to show some progress, but it’s still unfair to expect elite production from him.