LOS ANGELES — Rookie Walker Buehler, the Dodgers’ top prospect, has been optioned to the minor leagues after struggling in a relief appearance.
The team says Buehler was sent to Class A Rancho Cucamonga before Friday night’s game against Colorado.
The Dodgers made the move after Buehler had been activated Thursday, when he gave up five runs in one-plus inning of relief in an 11-5 loss to the Cubs. There was no indication when Buehler would next pitch or when he would be recalled to the big-league team.
Buehler originally was set to make a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday after missing 19 days with a rib microfracture.
He flew to Oklahoma, but the plan was changed and he was immediately called back to Los Angeles. He landed Thursday morning, was activated off the DL and came on in relief of Clayton Kershaw.