Injury Comeback Ends Early: Buehler Ejected In Third Inning For Red Sox

David

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Post on May 22, 2025

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Injury Comeback Ends Early: Buehler Ejected in Third Inning for Red Sox

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler's highly anticipated return from Tommy John surgery took a dramatic and unexpected turn on Tuesday night. His comeback, a moment eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike, ended abruptly in the third inning of his first start against the Boston Red Sox, not due to a recurring injury, but rather an ejection. The shocking event left Dodger Stadium buzzing with a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

This isn't the comeback story Dodger fans envisioned. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2022, Buehler's rehabilitation was meticulously documented, fueling hope for his return to the mound. His performance in the minor leagues had shown promise, hinting at a successful reintegration into the major league roster. But Tuesday’s game quickly derailed those hopes.

<h3>The Controversial Ejection</h3>

The details surrounding Buehler's ejection remain a point of contention. Umpire Angel Hernandez, known for his sometimes controversial calls, issued the ejection after Buehler appeared to brush back Red Sox hitter Triston Casas. While the pitch itself wasn't overly aggressive, Hernandez deemed it intentional, citing a perceived violation of MLB's unwritten rules regarding pitcher-batter interactions. This interpretation sparked immediate debate among fans and experts, with many questioning the severity of the call given the context of the game.

• The pitch: Reports describe the pitch as inside, but not dangerously so. Many argue that it fell within the realm of acceptable competitive pitching.
• Hernandez's reputation: The umpire's history of controversial calls further fueled the criticism. His reputation precedes him, leading many to suggest bias played a role in the decision.
• Lack of escalation: There was no apparent escalation of tensions between Buehler and Casas before the ejection, raising questions about the justification for such a swift and decisive action.

The Red Sox, while benefiting from the ejection, also expressed some surprise at the call, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the controversial nature of the situation and refrained from commenting directly on Hernandez's decision.

<h3>Impact on the Dodgers and Buehler</h3>

The early exit significantly impacts both the Dodgers' playoff push and Buehler's personal journey. The team, already facing challenges in their pitching rotation, now has to adjust its strategy. The loss of Buehler, even for a single game, creates a ripple effect across the team's pitching depth.

For Buehler, the ejection represents a setback, albeit one not related to his physical recovery. The psychological impact of such a sudden and unexpected end to his highly anticipated return should not be underestimated. His future starts are now under a cloud of uncertainty, as the incident raises concerns about potential future disciplinary actions.

<h3>Looking Ahead</h3>

The incident has raised several questions regarding the application of unwritten rules in baseball and the role of umpires in maintaining order on the field. The MLB might review the situation and potentially address the ejection’s fairness. While Buehler's physical health appears to be intact, the mental aspect of his recovery and his approach to future games will be crucial to observe. The Dodgers organization will undoubtedly provide him with support as he navigates this unexpected hurdle.

This unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder that even the most meticulously planned comebacks can be derailed by unforeseen circumstances. The baseball world will be watching closely to see how Buehler and the Dodgers respond to this challenging situation.

What are your thoughts on Buehler's ejection? Share your opinions in the comments below!