Buehler's Rocky Return Leaves Dodgers Seeking Answers as Playoff Stakes Skyrocket

Walker Buehler's return to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night was marked by a blend of anticipation and trepidation, as the talented right-hander took the mound for the first time in two months following his second Tommy John surgery. Fans hoped to see a rejuvenated Buehler, perhaps displaying a refined skill set that would bolster the Dodgers' playoff aspirations. Instead, they witnessed a familiar narrative plagued by the same command issues that have haunted him throughout his tumultuous recovery. Despite a promising start to the game with a three-run lead before he even pitched, Buehler's night quickly spiraled into chaos. His frustrations became evident early, erupting after just two batters into his outing. Walking the bases loaded without recording an out, he found himself in a precarious position that ultimately cost the Dodgers a closely contested game, 5-4, snapping their five-game winning streak. A critical error in right field from Mookie Betts allowed the winning run to cross home plate, further emphasizing the struggles Buehler faced on the mound. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed disappointment in Buehler's performance, noting that his pitcher appeared to be "out of sync." Indeed, the underlying issue for Buehler has been an ongoing struggle with command, an area he had aimed to improve during his time on the injured list. Despite adopting a modified delivery and working on his mechanics at Cressey Sports Performance in Florida, the results did not materialize as hoped. Buehler walked four out of 18 batters during his start, working through seven three-ball counts and showcasing a lack of control that led to a 5.84 ERA over his prior eight starts. After the game, Buehler was candid about his ongoing difficulties, admitting, "I keep trying this and that and this and that and I haven't found kind of what sticks." His delivery remains inconsistent and flawed, characterized by "too many misfires" and "too many holes" that prevent him from executing pitches as intended. In his limited time on the mound since returning from injury, Buehler has struggled to replicate the form that once made him a budding ace for the Dodgers. The club's decision to promote him from a rehab assignment—despite evident command issues—speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities, but the clock is ticking. With the Dodgers vying for a strong finish to the regular season and a promising playoff run, the need for Buehler to find his rhythm is paramount. Roberts acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Buehler's future starts, stating, "That's a fair question…I think that with the track record, he certainly deserves a longer runway." However, the manager also recognized the fierce competition in the division as the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks continue to chase closely. Even amidst the turmoil, Buehler remains hopeful. He expressed feeling "closer" to his previous form, noting the absence of soreness in his elbow and hip post-game. Yet, transforming that optimism into effective outings has proven to be a challenge. The Dodgers find themselves at a crucial juncture, where the stakes rise with every inning Buehler pitches. As the team grapples with the question of how long to give Buehler to regain his footing, the underlying sentiment remains clear: performance is imperative in a sport where stakes are high and margins for error are slim. As they look toward October, the Dodgers need their once-ace to rise to the occasion. The time for patience is fleeting, and the urgency for production is palpable—both for Buehler and the team as a whole.