Red Sox place Walker Buehler on 15-day injured list (shoulder)

Red Sox

Alex Cora said Buehler is experiencing right shoulder inflammation.

The Red Sox placed starting pitcher Walker Buehler on the 15-day injured list Friday, one day before he was scheduled to start against the Twins.

Manager Alex Cora told reporters that Buehler is experiencing right shoulder inflammation following his latest outing on April 26 versus the Guardians. The 30-year-old hurler was sent to Boston for testing from Toronto during the team’s series against the Blue Jays this week. Cora said Buehler didn’t bounce back as expected after his start.

Cora doesn’t seem concerned with Buehler’s injury, though. The skipper said he doesn’t expect Buehler to miss any more time than he’s required to while on the injured list.

“We don’t think it’s that serious,” Cora said via MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “Miss two starts and hopefully be back as soon as the days are over.”

Buehler performed well in Cleveland despite sustaining an injury after the fact. The right-hander tossed six innings, allowed three runs, and struck out three to earn the win. Buehler threw 87 pitches (60 strikes).

Through six starts, Buehler has exceeded expectations. He owns a 4-1 record and a 4.28 ERA (3.68 in April) with 29 strikeouts. Buehler has thrown at least five innings in all but his first outing of the season.

“He’ll be OK,” Cora said. “We’ll talk about it, but I’m not too worried about it. [Head athletic trainer] Brandon [Henry] is not either. Hopefully, it’s something where he misses two starts and he’s right back with us.”

As a corresponding move, Boston recalled Hunter Dobbins from Triple-A Worcester. He will start in place of Buehler on Saturday.

Dobbins, 25, has made two starts for Boston this season. He went 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 11 strikeouts in those April 6 and 18 outings. He’ll need to keep that trend going for the Red Sox as the club aims to bounce back and win this series following a disastrous final two games in Toronto this week.