The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that ace right-hander Walker Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.
The Dodgers said Buehler had UCL reconstruction surgery and flexor tendon repair. It marks the second time Buehler has undergone Tommy John surgery.
Buehler made the following comment on his Instagram account shortly before the team’s announcement: “Tommy John Round 2 let’s roll. See ya when I see ya @dodgers”
Buehler, 28, was slated to undergo season-ending elbow surgery on Tuesday with renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Recent imaging wasn’t clear as to the extent of Buehler’s injury, so ElAttrache reportedly was ready to perform Tommy John surgery during the procedure.
Buehler will likely miss the entire 2023 season but would be fully recovered for the 2024 campaign. His other Tommy John surgery was in August 2015 shortly after the Dodgers selected him in the first round (24th overall) of the draft.
Buehler has been sidelined with an elbow strain since last taking the mound June 10. The team had hoped the two-time All-Star would be ready to return in time for the playoffs.
In his sixth MLB season, Buehler was 6-3 with a 4.02 ERA over 12 starts. He owns a career record of 46-16 and a 3.02 ERA in 115 games (106 starts), all with the Dodgers.
–Field Level Media