Walker Buehler injury update: 2-time All-Star’s comeback takes hit as he ‘ran out of gas’ during struggling rehab start 

Los Angeles Dodger star pitcher Walker Buehler hasn’t seen much hope of his return to the major league mound anytime soon. Ever since his return to the 2024 season after starting on the injured list, he has had a struggling performance.

Walker Buehler's performance also continued to worsen due to his hip injury, which eventually took him to the injured list on June 19. He made his first rehab start on Friday with the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Baseball Club.

However, the two-time All-Star didn’t see a positive light in the four innings he pitched against the Seattle Mariners Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers. He gave up four runs on eight hits along with two walks while striking out three players.

LA Times writer Jack Harris shared Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' reaction to Buehler’s outing.

“Walker Buehler gave up four runs in four innings with OKC last night. Dave Roberts said Buehler "ran out of gas" near the end of his outing (his FB was 91-93 mph in the fourth), and that they're hoping he completes five innings with OKC next week. He'll be re-evaluated after that,” Harris wrote on X/Twitter.

Dave Roberts has previously stated that Walker Buehler would require one or two rehab starts for his return. He also stated his plans for Buehler to pitch for five innings, per the OC Register’s Bill Plunkett.

Walker Buehler opens up on his struggles this 2024 season

Before leaving for his rehab assignment, Walker Buehler recorded a 5.84 ERA with a 1-4 record along with a 1.51 WHIP in 37 innings he pitched this 2024 season.

“I kind of know what I want to be. I’m just struggling to find the first domino getting there,” Buehler said (via Jack Harris of LA Times).

“This year, however, I just didn’t really have that gear. When the delivery is not in the spot it’s been your whole career, you don’t have the feel to kind of go [like that].”

Walker Buehler made his return to the MLB after nearly two years since he underwent the second Tommy John surgery of his career.

The Dodgers are hoping for Buehler’s return to the rotation after his next start with the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, it remains to be seen what they will decide if his struggles continue.