Dodgers News: Julio Urias Situation Won’t Have Effect on Walker Buehler’s Rehab

Shocking the Dodgers’ system, starter Julio Urias’ all-but assured absence from the team for the foreseeable future has forced Dave Roberts to answer some hard questions about his rotation going forward.

One part of his pitching equation to solve the problem without one of the Dodgers’ most reliable postseason arms comes in the form of another renowned postseason performer, though Roberts said he wouldn’t rush him back from his current injury.

Here’s the full quote:

“Walker’s outing went really well. The plan is for him to start on Friday and do another 2 innings … What happened [with Julio] has no bearing on his progression.”

Encouraging many after he pitched brilliantly in his return to the mound from his second Tommy John surgery, Roberts won’t rush one of his best arms back to action knowing the seriousness of the injury.

Despite the compromised position that Urias has left the Dodgers, prioritizing the health of their rotation has always been a priority of the team and Buehler’s situation remains no different in this regard.

Tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no baserunners in his recent appearance at OKC on Sunday afternoon, Buehler’s return was originally projected for 2024.

The ace has blown such a timeline out of the water and could factor into the Dodgers’ playoff rotation after his rehab process has gone extremely well.

Touching 96 miles an hour on his fastball, it was an encouraging sight for both fans and the team to after a dip in velocity was a concern for Buehler’s stuff considering a second major reconstructive elbow surgery.

Whether Buehler is worked in as a long reliever/opener or strictly as a starter considering his previous role for the Dodgers as a frontline rotation piece is yet to be known, but no matter where he pitches from his return to LA’s pitching plans is a welcome sight no matter what.

Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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