The Dodgers assumed in spring training that Walker Buehler would be part of their plans at some point this season. They also likely assumed he would be adding to one of the team’s greatest strengths. With Clayton Kershaw leading a rotation that, on paper, was one of the best in the league, Buehler looked like an extravagance. Now, he’s a necessity.
Kershaw is on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis, an injury that generally costs a pitcher about four to six weeks. Hyun-jin Ryu is out until at least the All-Star break because of a groin injury. Rich Hill just returned from the DL after missing three weeks because of various issues with his left middle finger, and hasn’t completed a fully healthy season since 2007.