MLB Weekly Digest August 22nd Edition: Buehler to Have Surgery

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The last week in MLB was about a staring pitcher who needs season-ending surgery, an outfielder in the National League signs a multi-year extension, and a first baseman will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Los Angeles Dodgers Starting Pitcher Walker Buehler Will Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without one of their best starting pitchers for the rest of the MLB season as Walker Buehler will undergo season-ending elbow surgery, per a team announcement.

Walker Buehler will have season-ending elbow surgery on August 23 performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 15, 2022

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Buehler had some elbow discomfort after playing catch last week, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Roberts said this all started after Buehler felt some discomfort in his elbow during catch play last week that didn’t dissipate

Roberts did say he doesn’t believe Tommy John surgery is a possibility. Other that that, he reiterated they won’t know more until after procedure

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 15, 2022

According to Harris, Roberts said the decision for Buehler to undergo surgery was made after the pitcher had an MRI last week.

The Dodgers had shut down Buehler from pitching after he had a ligament strain in his right elbow in mid-June.

The team was hopeful he could pitch again this season as the injury did not require surgery at the time.

Buehler did have bone spurs removed from his right elbow a couple of days after the ligament strain was discovered.

Buehler finishes the 2022 season with a 4.02 ERA in 67 innings pitched (12 starts) with 58 strikeouts, 17 walks allowed, eight home runs surrendered, a 103 ERA+, 3.81 FIP, and a 1.29 WHIP.

The loss of Buehler is significant for the Dodgers as he was expected to anchor the rotation this season, and they will have to find a way to win the World Series without him.

Atlanta Braves Sign Rookie Outfielder Michael Harris II to Eight-Year Extension

▪️8 years
▪️$72 million
▪️2031 and 2032 club options

A decade of @MoneyyyMikeee 💰 pic.twitter.com/RBbaGYcGnG

— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) August 17, 2022

The Atlanta Braves have signed rookie outfielder Michael Harris II to an eight-year, $72-million contract extension, per a team announcement.

#Braves Sign OF Michael Harris II: pic.twitter.com/SsC3PPvxOx

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 17, 2022

The deal includes a $15 million club option for 2031 with a $5 million buyout and a $20 million club option for 2032 with a $5 million buyout.

Harris will be under club control until 2030, and the outfielder has made a terrific first impression upon the Braves this year.

He has compiled a .287 batting average and .825 OPS in 75 games with 49 runs scored, 17 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases.

Harris can potentially become a star for the Braves on a team-friendly contract.

The Braves have been busy signing players to long-term extensions for the past couple of months as they have invested nearly half a billion dollars in their next core.

Once Atlanta completes their 8-year deal with rookie sensation Michael Harris, they'll have invested about $450 million in long-term extensions in the past five months. Matt Olson and Austin Riley already were locked up for the next eight years and 10 years, respectively.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 17, 2022

They will be competing for the foreseeable future.

Atlanta is locked in 👀⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZvGwA6g2wW

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 17, 2022

Cincinnati Reds First Baseman Joey Votto Underwent Rotator Cuff Surgery

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto underwent rotator cuff surgery and is expected to participate in spring training and be ready for the 2023 season, per a team announcement.

Joey Votto today had successful surgery to repair his left rotator cuff and bicep. He is expected to be able to participate in spring training and be ready for the 2023 season. #Reds pic.twitter.com/niGkr4sncL

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 19, 2022

Votto is not sure when the injury occurred but did mention that he was playing through smaller issues since 2015 when a minor shoulder injury happened on a play at first base.

The injury could be why he struggled at the plate in 2022.

He has posted a .205 average and .689 OPS in 91 games with 18 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, and 41 RBIs.

Votto has been the face of the Reds for 16 years with the club and recently passed Larry Walker for the most games played by a Canadian-born player in MLB history.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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