As Clayton Kershaw tussled with the Pirates on Tuesday evening, Dodgers rookie Walker Buehler completed the first step on his reconfigured route back to the majors. Pitching for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga about an hour east of Dodger Stadium, Buehler struck out five in three innings against the Inland Empire 66ers.
Buehler threw 41 pitches. He will make at least one more appearance in the minors before the Dodgers consider activating him. Buehler has not started a game since June 8. He was sidelined shortly thereafter because of a microfracture in his ribcage.
The Dodgers attempted to hasten Buehler’s return to the major league roster by using him as a reliever against the Cubs last week.