June 18, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler (21) pitches during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Walker Buehler returns just in time for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have a new addition to their rotation after River Ryan suffered a season-ending elbow injury last weekend. vacancy.
Buehler (1-4, 5.84 ERA) will make his first start since June 18 when the Dodgers continue their four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.
Will Smith, Shohei Ohtani, Gavin Lux and Andy Pages hit home runs in the Dodgers’ 7-2 win over the Brewers on Tuesday. Ohtani leads the National League with 37 home runs.
Los Angeles has won five straight and is tied with the Cleveland Guardians for the best record in the majors at 71-49.
Milwaukee has lost three straight and continues to struggle against the Dodgers. The Brewers have lost nine of their past 10 meetings with Los Angeles, including four of five this season.
“They’re really, really good,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “You can make the case, but they have arguably the three best players in the game leading the way.”
Milwaukee has scored three points or fewer in each of its past four games after scoring 42 points in four straight games. The Brewers allowed six hits in Tuesday’s game.
“I can’t say I particularly like the approach (at the plate) or anything like that,” Murphy said. “I don’t know what they were thinking.”
Milwaukee’s next challenge is Buehler, a 30-year veteran recovering from his second career Tommy John surgery earlier this year. The right-hander made eight starts but was placed on the injured list with right hip inflammation.
Buehler knows expectations are high for his return to the rotation.
“The standard here is different. It’s not just ‘get over it, get over it,'” he said. “I hope to be able to pitch like I did before, but that’s not just my expectation. It’s the standard of what we’re trying to achieve here.
“You can’t pitch with a 5.00 ERA and expect to help us win the World Series.”
Buehler completed a three-start rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, allowing one run and striking out five in 5 1/3 innings. He threw 85 pitches.
“He’s in a good spot,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think he’s feeling great physically. He’s obviously doing great. It’s still important to go out and feel good for your last game before you come back. I think it’s about as confident as Walker feels, to be honest with you. , just as good – physically and mentally – this year.
Buehler has a 1-1 record with a 1.50 ERA in two career starts against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Brewers will face right-hander Frankie Montas (5-8, 5.10 ERA), who will make his third start since being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds on July 30 .
Montas, 31, was held without a decision after allowing three runs in four innings against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.
Ohtani went 11-for-27 (.407) with five homers, while Mookie Betts went 5-for-11 (.455) with a homer against Montas, who finished in the career In three career games, he is 0-2 with an ERA of 11.57. He last faced Los Angeles as a Red on May 17, when he allowed three runs in five innings without a decision.
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