Dave Roberts Provides Massive Walker Buehler Injury Update

The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high after capturing another series win Wednesday night. Los Angeles took down the reigning NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0, which also marked its 20th victory on the year.

As if the night could get any better, manager Dave Roberts had a massive update on injured starter Walker Buehler following the contest.

Roberts told reporters that Buehler's rehab assignment is officially over, and he's set to make his season debut on Monday against the Miami Marlins.

Dodger fans have waited nearly two years for this moment. The last time Buehler took the mound was on June 10, 2022, as a second Tommy John surgery soon after that appearance has kept him out of the majors ever since.

Having Buehler, a two-time All-Star and part of the 2020 World Series team, back is obviously a huge boost for L.A. His last full campaign in 2021 saw him post an impressive 2.47 ERA and 212 strikeouts across an MLB-leading 33 starts.

Of course, it's fair to wonder if Buehler will return to that level of play. Few pitchers have come back strong following a second Tommy John operation, so he simply may not be capable of returning to his peak.

The experience of going through this rehab before, however, could aid Buehler in his first taste of action following such a long layoff. He was also only 27 when the injury occurred, so it's possible this delay actually helps prolong his career since he bypassed nearly two years of wear and tear.

With Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto at the top of the rotation as well, plus a supercharged lineup that's better than when Buehler was last on the bump, there's less pressure on the starter to return at 100% right away.

That should allow him to ease into being an MLB regular again and put him on a great path to start hitting his stride in the second half of 2024.

In other Dodgers news: