Los Angeles Times

'Plenty of time.' Why the Dodgers aren't rushing Walker Buehler's comeback

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Walker Buehler delivers a first-inning pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in Los Angeles.

PHOENIX — Walker Buehler didn't reach the finish line of his rehab from Tommy John surgery last year. But he at least seemed to be charging down the final stretch.

Buehler began a throwing program before the end of last spring, about six months after his August 2022 elbow procedure. By the operation's anniversary date, he was already throwing bullpens and facing hitters in live batting practice.

When Buehler began a minor league rehab assignment in early September, pitching two perfect innings in Triple-A Oklahoma City, there was faint hope he might even return before season's end.

"We were kind of at the end of it,"

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