The Red Sox have placed starting pitcher Walker Buehler on the 15-day injured list as of Friday, a day prior to his planned appearance against the Twins. Manager Alex Cora informed the media that Buehler is dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder, an issue that arose after his last game on April 26 against the Guardians.

Buehler was brought back to Boston for evaluation from Toronto during the team’s series with the Blue Jays this week. Cora mentioned that Buehler didn’t recover as anticipated following his start. However, Cora doesn’t seem overly worried about Buehler’s condition. He indicated that he doesn’t foresee Buehler being sidelined longer than the mandatory injured list period.

“We don’t think it’s that serious,” Cora stated via MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, expressing hope that Buehler will miss just two starts and return promptly. Despite the injury, Buehler delivered a solid performance in Cleveland, pitching six innings, conceding three runs, and striking out three to secure the win. He threw a total of 87 pitches, with 60 being strikes.

Over the course of six starts, Buehler has surpassed expectations, boasting a 4-1 record and a 4.28 ERA (3.68 in April) with 29 strikeouts, having pitched at least five innings in every game except his season opener. “He’ll be fine,” Cora reiterated. “We’ll discuss it, but I’m not too concerned. [Head athletic trainer] Brandon [Henry] isn’t either.

Hopefully, it’s just a matter of missing two starts and then rejoining us.” To fill the gap, Boston has called up Hunter Dobbins from Triple-A Worcester. Dobbins is set to pitch in Buehler’s place on Saturday. The 25-year-old has already started twice for Boston this season, achieving a 2-0 record with a 2.45 ERA and 11 strikeouts in his outings on April 6 and 18. He’ll need to maintain that form for the Red Sox as they strive to recover and secure a series win following a tough final two games in Toronto this week.