Despite poor results, Walker Buehler could rejoin Dodgers’ rotation soon
Buehler has given up eight runs on 15 hits over 6⅔ innings in his most recent rehab starts in Triple-A, but Dave Roberts says he will rejoin the Dodgers’ rotation after one more start.
OAKLAND — Walker Buehler’s rehab outings with Triple-A Oklahoma City have left much to be desired, but the right-hander is one start away from rejoining the Dodgers’ starting rotation.
The right-hander started for OKC on Thursday and gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks in 3⅓ innings. He threw 86 pitches to record those 10 outs and has allowed eight runs on 15 hits and five walks in 6⅔ innings over two starts since rejoining OKC for a second rehab stint, this time following a hip injury.
Buehler has made as many starts in the minor leagues this season on those rehab assignments as he has in the majors. For what it’s worth, his ERA in those eight minor-league starts is 5.59. In the majors it is 5.84.
But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Buehler will make one more start in Triple-A next week before being folded back into the Dodgers’ starting rotation.
“Honestly, I don’t think it matters,” Roberts said of Buehler’s results. “He said he felt better about this one than the last one. The results certainly weren’t there. He’s an All-Star major-league pitcher. So at some point in time, you do the build up. He’s got one more then he’s got to help us at the major-league level.
“It comes down to Walker competing, making pitches and us running him out there. That’s where I’m at.”
Meanwhile, right-hander Bobby Miller was scratched from his scheduled start Friday with OKC due to tightness in an adductor muscle. Miller felt the problem during a bullpen session earlier this week. It is not considered serious.
SIM GAME-PALOOZA
Roberts said All-Star Mookie Betts (fractured hand), third baseman Max Muncy (oblique strain), infielder Miguel Rojas (forearm strain), utility man Tommy Edman and possibly utility man Chris Taylor (groin injury) will all participate in a simulated game planned for Thursday at Dodger Stadium. All five are currently on the injured list and will face pitchers brought in from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.
Edman had played eight games on a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment before he was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. All of those were as a DH. After the sim game, he is expected to go on a rehab assignment and begin playing the field. Edman is recovering from wrist surgery in October and an ankle injury suffered in June.
The simulated at-bats will be Muncy’s first since he suffered a strained oblique muscle in mid-May. He has experienced multiple setbacks since then.
“It’s a big step,” Roberts said. “He swung the bat yesterday, coaches’ batting practice. Felt good coming out of it. He’s swinging again today. Felt good. … He’s in a good spot.”
Roberts said Rojas is not expected to go on a rehab assignment before he is activated.
ROSTER MOVES
The Dodgers officially added Kiermaier and Rosario to their roster before Friday night’s game and sent Hunter Feduccia back to Triple-A.
Right-hander Gus Varland was claimed on waivers by the Chicago White Sox. Varland was designated for assignment by the Dodgers earlier this week.
ALSO
Roberts said Freddie Freeman will not be rejoining the Dodgers during the series in Oakland. The All-Star first baseman remains in Los Angeles with his son hospitalized.
“I was texting with Freddie yesterday. He says they’re encouraged,” Roberts said.
“I do know Freddie is moving around, taking swings, moving his body around. But I don’t expect him this series.”
UP NEXT
Dodgers (RHP Jack Flaherty, 7-5, 2.95 ERA) at A’s (RHP Mitch Spence, 7-6, 4.47 ERA), Saturday, 6:07 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM