What Happened to Walker Buehler?

Last night started to look like the rest of Walker Buehler’s recent outings as he gave up 2 runs in the second inning, but then in the third inning, he came out snarling. He struck out Luis Gonzalez on seven pitches, including 5 straight over 95 MPH. Next, he struck out Mike Yastremski on 5 pitches, including a 96 MPH fastball. Finally, he struck out Wilmer Flores on four pitches. Suddenly, Walker looked like Walker again! He was hitting his spots, his fastball was moving and he got three straight swing and miss outs.

You always hope for the best, but you have to be prepared for the worst and this ain’t good. In an interview earlier in the year, Walker made a statement, “I’m not a big guy, I have to generate power with my mechanics.” It’s no secret that Walker’s fastball velocity has dropped over the years and it has dropped again this year. I think Walker was/is trying to evolve as a pitcher because he does not have the body or the mechanics to throw as hard as he does. Of course, sliders and curves are also hard on your arm.

When you are young, you can always reach back and get 2 to 3 more MPH on your fastball (maybe at the expense of control), but You also just know your body. This may be overly simplistic, but at some point last night, Walker said, “Screw it” and just reverted back to being that power pitcher and that is when he felt the pain. Hopefully, this is simple… maybe it’s just inflammation or a “loose body” but when you are talking “elbow” on someone who has had Tommy John Surgery seven or eight years ago, there has to be a high level of concern.

I am sure he will get an MRI today and we may or may not know the verdict. At any rate, I would plan on Walker being absent for a few weeks at best. Long term, he may have to learn how to pitch differently… or maybe become a closer! I just wish him the best, but now, it is “Next Man up.” Of course, Andrew Friedman will always be kicking the tires. Frankie Montas is on his radar, but I don’t think he will give Billy B. Bobby Miller. or Gavin Stone. In fact, I would consider bringing up Stone if he keeps up his pace.

Speaking of Bobby Miller, he went 4.1 innings last night throwing 89 pitches (58 for strikes), walking 3, and striking out 3 while giving up 3 ER ( 2 were on a Michael Massey HR). Focusing is a problem right now.

By the way, Jacob Amaya‘s BA is sinking faster than the Titanic (.262). OUCH!

Mike Busch was 2-5 for OKC last night, playing in LF again.

Hopefully, Clayton Kershaw ridges to the rescue this afternoon.

Gavin Lux was about the only positive last night!