LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Dodgers have sent prized pitching prospect Walker Buehler back to the minors.
The 23-year-old right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, hours after allowing two runs on a pair of solo homers and six hits in a no-decision against the Angels. He struck out five and walked one in five innings of his 10th start.
Manager Dave Roberts said Buehler would likely throw a simulated game next week in Oklahoma City.
Buehler is 4-2 with a 3.45 ERA with the Dodgers this season. He’s limited the opposition to a .228 average while striking out 59 and walking 13 in 11 games.
The Dodgers are closely monitoring Buehler’s workload, although they have not announced a limit for him.
He tossed just five innings in 2016 after Tommy John surgery. Last year, he pitched 98 innings. He’s worked 73 1-3 innings so far this season.
Buehler has racked up travel miles this season, having been optioned to Oklahoma City twice previously and to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. He’s also been on the disabled list with a microfracture to his rib.
The Dodgers activated left-hander Zac Rosscup, who was claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies earlier in the week.
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