Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times shares the unfortunate news …
#Dodgers first-round pick, RHP Walker Buehler, to undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow. Expected to return in 2017.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 4, 2015
This confirms a mid-July report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Walker was selected 24th overall back in June and later agreed to a $1.78 million signing bonus — around $314,400 under his recommended slot value. Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register on Tuesday evening that he has no buyer’s remorse over drafting Buehler: “None at all. We’re playing the long game.”
The 21-year-old right-handed starter posted a 2.97 ERA and an 81/25 K/BB ratio in 78 2/3 innings this season for Vanderbilt University, helping the school advance to the final of the College World Series.