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Padres Sign Walker Buehler to Minor-League Deal for 2026

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The San Diego Padres signed Walker Buehler, a former Dodgers pitcher, to a minor-league contract to bolster pitching depth for 2026.
Buehler has struggled since Tommy John surgery in 2022, posting a 4.93 ERA last season with Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
He will compete for the fifth rotation spot, joining Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and German Márquez, as the Padres push for a playoff run against the Dodgers.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first successful Tommy John surgery on pitcher Tommy John, revolutionizing baseball recovery. This procedure, which replaces the ulnar collateral ligament, has since been performed on over 1,000 players, significantly improving recovery rates from 1% to 85-92% by 2009. The surgery has become essential for extending athletes' careers, particularly among pitchers.

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Story summary

The San Diego Padres signed Walker Buehler, a former Dodgers pitcher, to a minor-league contract to bolster pitching depth for 2026.
Buehler has struggled since Tommy John surgery in 2022, posting a 4.93 ERA last season with Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
He will compete for the fifth rotation spot, joining Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and German Márquez, as the Padres push for a playoff run against the Dodgers.

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