The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting a big part of their starting rotation back as Walker Buehler is scheduled to make his first big league start in nearly two years on Monday after completing a lengthy rehab assignment.

The right-hander made six starts between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 21.2 innings pitched. While the numbers don’t look impressive, Buehler had arguably his best performance in his most recent start against the Salt Lake Bees. He allowed just one run and collected five strikeouts over five innings of work on 75 pitches. Buehler’s fastball velocity also reached the mid-90s.

It will be interesting to see how betting sites handicap his first game back, however, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was encouraged by Buehler’s final tuneup via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“We’re excited about that. Everything checked out,” Roberts said, calling Buehler’s final rehab start “his best one.”

When discussing expectations for Buehler, Roberts said he is hopeful the 29-year-old will be the same pitcher he was before his second elbow surgery:

“I think he’s going to still be Walker,” Roberts said. “He’s going to be attacking. But I think that there’s an attacking with his entire repertoire. I think that in years past, it was heavy fastball, heavy cutter where I think that Walker has more weapons. And I think that’s what my hope is, instead of just trying to bully guys.

“It’s different for everyone (returning from a major injury). … As you haven’t been competing at this level for quite some time, to sort of feel, figure out, see where you’re at at this point in time. … I’m sure there’s going to be some anxiousness, some nerves, that there naturally should be, until you kind of get a couple starts under your belt. You know, Clayton Kershaw is going to have it when he comes back. So if he’s going to have that, sure as heck Walker’s gonna have that too, which is normal.”

Before his latest operation, Buehler had established himself as one of baseball’s best-starting pitchers. He earned two All-Star selections, emerged as the Dodgers’ co-ace with Clayton Kershaw, and played a vital role in the 2020 World Series championship run.

Buehler’s start against the Miami Marlins will be his first since June 10, 2022, when he injured his elbow in a start against the San Francisco Giants that required a second Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair.

Dodgers Clear Roster Spot for Buehler

The Dodgers cleared the path for Buehler’s return to the starting rotation by optioning Landon Knack to OKC before their series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 26-year-old made three starts at the significant league level, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.81 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 16 innings.