Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Likely Facing an Innings Restriction in 2024
Throughout the 2023 season, the Dodgers struggled to find any sort of consistency with their starting rotation. It caused them issues all year, but they pushed through despite not having one of their best players all season long.
The team was missing starting pitcher Walker Buehler for the entire season, and not having him in the starting rotation severely hurt them. Buehler had turned himself into one of the best in the business prior to his injury, and he showed that he could step up massively in the big moments.
LA could have used him in their playoff series against Arizona, and maybe they wouldn’t have been swept. But he is on track to return for the 2024 season, but there could be a catch.
General Manager Brandon Gomes provided an update on Buehler but did say that the team was considering putting an innings restriction on him for the new year.
The team likely wants to make sure that Buehler can stay healthy throughout the season, so this could be a good thing. They need him ready to go for the stretch run, so making sure that he gets there will be key.
Buehler attempted a comeback this past year but was shut down after a few rehab starts. It wasn’t due to a setback, but rather he just didn’t feel that he was in a place that he wanted to be in with such little time left before the playoffs started.
Now the veteran can take the entire offseason to get himself right and make his return in 2024. It will be a welcomed sight for all fans when he takes the mound for the first time, as he has become a fan favorite in short order.
Buehler should be given every opportunity to succeed in 2024, and the team will be counting on him to return to form. He will be a free agent at the end of the season, so if he can show that he is back, it could net him a nice payday.
We wish Buehler all the best this offseason, and we can’t wait to see him dominating on the mound again next season!
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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If Kershaw comes back his innings will no doubt be limited as well. A six man rotation would keep them pitching on a consistent schedule and limit their innings. They usually do that in the second half anyway, they just don’t announce it.