Oklahoma City Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler watches from the dugout during Monday's game vs. Memphis at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Buehler was recently promoted from Double-A Tulsa. [PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, THE OKLAHOMAN]

One year ago, Walker Buehler sat in a Phoenix apartment sporting a common scar on his right elbow with thoughts of pitching in meaningful games.

Tommy John surgery a month after he was drafted No. 24 overall in 2015 had delayed his start within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was going through the rehab process at Camelback Ranch.

Mentally, he was tired. His arm felt better than ever. Being one step from the big leagues within 12 months never crossed his mind.

But Thursday, he will take the mound at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Dodgers' rising prospect for his Triple-A debut with Oklahoma City.