Los Angeles Dodgers starter Walker Buehler will have season-ending elbow surgery next week

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ faint hopes of having Walker Buehler in their postseason rotation ended Monday, when it was announced that their ace pitcher would require season-ending elbow surgery.

The Dodgers were vague in their description of Buehler’s injury because an initial MRI did not provide enough clarity, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The Dodgers won’t learn the specifics until Dr. Neal ElAttrache conducts the procedure on Aug. 23.

What they do know, however, is that they will be without their most talented pitcher while in pursuit of a World Series title.

The Dodgers boast the highest winning percentage and the lowest ERA in the major leagues despite navigating an assortment of injuries to their staff, with 11 pitchers currently on their injured list. But Dustin May is expected to make his return from Tommy John surgery on Saturday, and the team is hopeful Clayton Kershaw, out since early August because of discomfort in his lower back, can still make it back in time to get built up for the playoffs. Capturing a first-round bye, awarded to the two teams with the best records in each league under the new format, would certainly help his cause.