Buehler (elbow) will return as a traditional starting pitcher if he is able to make it back this season, manager Dave Roberts said Friday on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander would be able to rejoin the Dodgers' staff more quickly if the goal was to use him initially in shorter stints, either as an opener or reliever, but Roberts said in this interview that the plan will be to build him up to four innings and/or 60 pitches. In his first time facing live hitters Wednesday since undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler touched 93 mph with his fastball during a one-inning sim game. He won't be ready at the beginning of September, but Roberts said a return sometime that month is still a viable option.

Buehler (elbow) touched 93 mph during a one-inning simulated game Wednesday at the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not the velocity Buehler usually sits at, but given it was the pitcher's first time facing hitters since undergoing Tommy John surgery -- his second such procedure-- last August, he and the team were very encouraged. "It went really well," manager Dave Roberts said of the session. "Much better than I expected." Buehler has acknowledged that his original goal of returning on September 1 isn't realistic, as he will require a few more simulated games before going out on a rehab assignment. However, the righty remains confident he'll be able to help the Dodgers in some capacity before the end of the regular season, whether it's in a starting or relief role.

Buehler (elbow) "will take the next step in his recovery by facing hitters in Arizona this week," Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was reported last week that Buehler was close to beginning a rehab assignment, and while it's unclear if he will officially start one in the coming days, he appears ready to take another step in his recovery. Expect the Dodgers to release another update on his status following his upcoming session.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Buehler (elbow) is "on the verge" of beginning a rehab assignment, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buehler is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday in San Diego and could then head out next week to one of the Dodgers' minor-league affiliates as he prepares to return to live games. Roberts told reporters that they are expecting the 29-year-old back -- as a starting pitcher -- in the early part of September. He is closing in on the 12-month mark from his August 2022 Tommy John surgery.

Buehler (elbow) shared a video of himself throwing a bullpen session on his personal Instagram account last week.

EDGE Analysis

Buehler has previously stated that he is aiming to be ready to join the Dodgers by Sept. 1, and his ability to throw bullpens is a promising indication that such a timeline may be feasible. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last August, so Los Angeles won't push him to move through the rehab process any faster than necessary. If Buehler does make it back to the big-league club in early September, his addition to the pitching staff could be a big boost to the team, though it's possible he could be used out of the bullpen given the length of his absence.

Buehler (elbow) told reporters Tuesday that he's aiming for a return to the mound on Sept. 1, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

As DiGiovanna notes, that would be a much shorter recovery than usual from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery, which Buehler underwent in August. The right-hander threw a bullpen session before Monday's game against the Twins, and he previously had been able to throw bullpens at the Dodgers' facility in Arizona. Los Angeles will take all the necessary precautions with Buehler and there's no guarantee he pitches in a meaningful role if he does return in September, but his previous success makes him a name fantasy GMs should keep a close eye on.

Buehler (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions it the Dodgers' spring training facility in Arizona and will throw another Monday at Dodgers Stadium, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buehler continues to make strong progress while recovering from the Tommy John reconstructive surgery the right-hander underwent last summer. The 28-year-old has a chance to return to the Los Angeles staff in 2023, but it isn't likely to occur until the final few months of the season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters prior to Friday's game against the Padres that Buehler (elbow) has thrown off a mound and he's continuing to make progress, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buehler is working his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent back in August. The right-hander has a chance to return late in 2023 in a best-case scenario, but it's more likely he won't be back in the Dodgers rotation until 2024.

Buehler (elbow) was seen throwing at Dodgers Stadium on Saturday and throwing from 150 feet away, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buehler began his throwing program back in March, and he's now able to complete long toss as he works his way back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery that he underwent in August. There is a chance for Buehler to help the Dodgers at the end of the 2023 season as a multi-inning reliever or possibly a starter if everything goes right, but any appearances that happen before September at this point are bonuses.

Buehler (elbow) began a throwing program Wednesday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buehler made just a handful of flat-ground tosses from a distance of 60 feet, but it's a significant step forward nonetheless in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old right-hander had the procedure last August and obviously has many more months of rehab work ahead. If he does pitch for the Dodgers in 2023, it will probably only be a handful of innings in September/October.