Walker Buehler successful in minor league rehab start, could move up return to Dodgers

LOS ANGELES – Walker Buehler’s return to the mound is more than just an abstract concept now after the rehabbing right-hander pitched 3 1/3 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Because of Tommy John surgery and a concurrent flexor tendon repair, Buehler has not been on a major league mound since June 10, 2022. He appeared to be on track for a return late last season before deciding he was not at a point in his recovery where he could make a substantial impact on the team’s playoff drive.

Of course, the Dodgers have been here before. Buehler pitched two perfect innings of a Sept. 3 rehab start last year before deciding it was best to back off and shut down for the rest of the season.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday the goal is to build Buehler up to six innings and 90 pitches before he is back in the big leagues again. That would mean at least three more minor league outings.

That could signal a return as early as an April 19-21 home series against the New York Mets, although since the wait has been nearly two years to this point, adding a little more time wouldn’t be the worst idea.

“I think with Walker, he has so many different pitches and weapons and the most important part is the build up and the execution,” Roberts said. “Then, as you get out there further, it’s the results.

“The thing for him, and for us, is that he has to be built up to pitch a major league game.”

There were plenty of Easter eggs to uncover in Sunday’s outing at Tacoma like pitching into the fourth inning when the original estimate was three frames. There were two perfect innings to open the game and seven consecutive outs at the outset. And Buehler closed each of his first two innings on strikeouts.

Buehler now will return to Los Angeles for his between-start work, with his next outing expected to be with Oklahoma City at an undetermined date later this week.

WORKING MAN

Mookie Betts was participating in pregame drills with defensive coach Clayton McCullough, taking sharp grounders from close range to his backhand side part of his work.

Even as Betts absorbs himself in defense amid his full-time move to the infield, his offense has not been affected. In fact, Betts’ start at the plate has been somewhat historic, entering Sunday with home runs in four consecutive games.

According to STATS, Betts and Babe Ruth were the only two players to record nine or more hits, nine or more RBIs, six or more walks, four or more home runs and a .600 batting average or better in four consecutive games.

“And I just really respect the way that, he went out there publicly and said that playing a different position isn’t going to affect the offensive performance, and was never going to use the change in position as an excuse,” Roberts said. “And it showed to be true.”

YOU AGAIN?

New St. Louis Cardinals backup shortstop Brandon Crawford heard the boos from Dodgers fans Saturday and grinned while suggesting it actually warmed his heart on a cold and rainy night.

Crawford was playing in his 86th career game at Dodger Stadium but the first that wasn’t in a San Francisco Giants uniform.

“I was a little disappointed by the lack of boos at the start of the game so I was glad that I got some more later,” Crawford said. “Yeah, in a way it’s kind of nice. The (Dodgers-Giants) rivalry runs deep and I’m sure I will always get that here.”

PERSONNEL SHIFT

In order to get some bullpen coverage Sunday, after left-hander Ryan Yarbrough pitched three innings Friday and five pitchers covered five innings Saturday, the Dodgers selected the contract of right-hander Nabil Crismatt from Oklahoma City.

Kyle Hurt, who covered 2 2/3 of those five innings and took the loss Saturday, was optioned to Triple-A. Emmet Sheehan (shoulder) was moved to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.

Crismatt, 29, is set to make his Dodgers debut after pitching four seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. He had a career-best 50 appearances (one start) for the Padres in 2022, going 5-2 with a 2.94 ERA.