LOS ANGELES -- For a couple of years, Walker Buehler starts were mini-events at Dodger Stadium. Even as a young starter, the excitement and buzz in the stands were palpable whenever the right-hander was introduced pregame. As Buehler turned into the ace of the staff and one of the best

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/15113480

After nearly 2 years, Buehler returns from Tommy John

The long wait on his return finally came to an end on Monday as Buehler made his first start in the Majors since June 10, 2022, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out four over four innings of work in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win over the Marlins at Dodger Stadium.

Before the game, manager Dave Roberts said he didn’t expect to see high velocity numbers for Buehler in his first start back. Buehler had other plans. With some expected adrenaline, Buehler’s four-seam fastball was sitting at 96 mph, getting up to as high as 97.6 mph.

Buehler feeding off extra adrenaline was expected, but so was some rust. Despite the tick up in velocity, the Marlins were able to attack Buehler’s fastball, jumping out to an early lead just two batters into the game. Miami tacked on a second run in the first inning and Nick Gordon hit a solo homer in the second for the third run against Buehler in the first two frames of the game.