Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Los Angeles, Monday, May 6, 2024.
13:57 JST, May 7, 2024
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Walker Buehler threw four innings and struck out four for the Los Angeles Dodgers against Miami on Monday night, his first Major League start in nearly two years.
The righthander allowed three runs and six hits. He threw 77 pitches, including 49 strikes. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game that Buehler’s pitch count would be somewhere between 80 and 85.
Buehler did not factor in the decision, but did leave with the Dodgers leading 6-3 on four home runs, including Shohei Ohtani’s fourth in three games.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani hits a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Los Angeles, Monday, May 6, 2024.
It was Buehler’s first start since June 10, 2022 in San Francisco. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star underwent his second Tommy John surgery on August 23 of that year. The first reconstructive surgery on his right elbow occurred in 2015, shortly after he was drafted in the first round by the Dodgers.
Buehler was 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA in six minor league starts this season, mostly with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He struck out 21 and walked nine in 21 2/3 innings.
“For Walker to still be able to focus on his preparations and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, I’m proud that he’s been able to navigate that. It’s hard, especially the second time,” Roberts said of Buehler’s comeback. “The competition is still there. I know it’s been hidden for a while.”
Buehler allowed four hits his first time through the order, including RBI singles by Bryan De La Cruz and Jesús Sánchez in the first and Nick Gordon’s solo homer in the second, but only one the second time.
Buehler threw 13 pitches of 96 mph or more, including a 97.6 mph fastball that leadoff hitter Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit. made an error in the first inning.
Roberts tried to temper expectations about Buehler’s velocity before the game, instead focusing on his fastball command.
“I do expect command at some point. That will allow him to do other things,” Roberts said. “If he doesn’t command it, you try to mix and match and fool guys. I still think he’s going to be a very good pitcher. He has weapons to get righties and lefties out and he has to use them.
Buehler appeared anxious during his warm-up throws before facing Chisholm.
The nerves didn’t subside when the Marlins center fielder committed an error on four straight pitches and came aboard with an infield single inside the third-base line on the ninth pitch of the at-bat with the infield shifted to right.
Chisholm stole second base and scored on De La Cruz’s single to right-center. Buehler retired the next two batters, but De La Cruz scored on Jesús Sánchez’s single to right. Buehler got out of the inning when Tim Anderson was called out for batter interference as Sánchez tried to steal second.
After the Dodgers scored three in the bottom of the first, Gordon tied the score with a solo shot just over the right field wall on a full-count cutter by Buehler that was slightly elevated.
Buehler then settled down and allowed only two more goals. He boarded two more Marlins after a throwing error and a hit batter, but avoided damage.
Buehler threw 25 pitches, including 17 strikes, in the first. He was at 48 pitches after two innings.
Roberts and the Dodgers are hoping Buehler can return to something similar to his former form. They are not currently focused on his potential role in the playoffs.
“It’s about him being good in the regular season. Once we get to October, we’ll find out,” Roberts said.
