Dodgers News: Los Angeles Unsure if Walker Buehler Needs Tommy John Surgery

The Dodgers lost a very big name on Monday afternoon. Just hours before the first pitch in Milwaukee, the team announced that Walker Buehler would need to undergo surgery on his elbow that would end his 2022 season. They were expecting him to be back for the postseason run, possibly rejoining the starting rotation. 

Instead, the Dodgers will need to go with the guys that they already have. Buehler is set to undergo surgery in Los Angeles next week, then the team will know more about the underlying issue. In a recent update from Dave Roberts, he said that the team is unsure what the issue is for the moment. Dr Neal El Attrache recommended the surgery upon initial examination to determine more. 

Buehler got out over 100 feet in his throwing progression at Dodger Stadium last week. He was not happy with the way it went though, likely resulting in the need to have it further checked. The Dodgers do not have any sort of timeline and will not until he has the surgery next Tuesday.

Walker Buehler’s MRI didn’t show enough to clearly present the issue that was giving Buehler discomfort in recent throwing sessions, sources told The Athletic.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache recommended surgery, and the Dodgers will know more after the procedure.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 15, 2022

If the Dodgers pitcher does require the second Tommy John surgery of his playing career, that would mean that he is also out for the entire 2023 season. The recovery timeline for a pitcher getting TJ is generally about 18 months, much like Dustin May. That would be a really tough loss for the team so absorb beyond this year. 

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But the hope for now is that Buehler can avoid anything major. Getting him back in time for Opening Day next season is literally the best thing that could happen for them right now. For now, we all wait to see what happens. 

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