Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Could Return as Starting Pitcher This Season, Says Dave Roberts

Buehtane may be on his way back to the mound!

A year after going down with an elbow injury, Walker Buehler is looking to get back on the mound after Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old pitcher has been very active on social media documenting his road through recovery, and the finish line may finally be in sight.

While the self-proclaimed September 1 return may have been a little aggressive by the two-time All-Star pitcher, it sounds like he could return at some point this season, and provide a much-needed pitching help and energy — and it may actually be as a starting pitcher.

Dave Roberts told reporters on Thursday that the best-case scenario for Buehler is that he gets worked up enough to start games, not just out of the bullpen. This would be a huge boost to a Dodgers rotation that’s in desperate need of an ace-level pitcher.

Before the early exit in 2022, the Dodgers ace pitched 65 innings to the tune of a 4.02 ERA. However, the former stud did not look like the Walker Buehler of the past. After going down with injury, it was revealed that the pitcher needed more than just Tommy John surgery but also a flexor tendon repair.

With the Dodgers having an unfortunate trade deadline due to their top pitching target invoking his no-trade clause, the Los Angeles ballclub will rely on pitchers like Lance Lynn and Ryan Yarbrough to step up for their new team. However, a healthy Buehler giving them even a handful of innings as a starter could be a massive boost for LA.

Additionally, the team is expecting Ryan Pepiot to return from injury and contribute innings for the team in the regular and postseason, and between him and Buehler, the Dodgers could be loaded for another deep run in the postseason.

If a Major League team wants to make a long postseason run, they need arms. The Dodgers may just be on the verge of getting some arms right in time for October baseball, none bigger than Walker Buehler.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!