PHOENIX —
Walker Buehler didn’t reach the finish line of his rehab from Tommy John surgery last year. But he at least seemed to be charging down the final stretch.
Buehler began a throwing program before the end of last spring, about six months after his August 2022 elbow procedure. By the operation’s anniversary date, he was already throwing bullpens and facing hitters in live batting practice.
When Buehler began a minor-league rehab assignment in early September, pitching two perfect innings in triple-A Oklahoma City, there was faint hope he might even return before season’s end.