Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Will Be Delayed to Start 2024 Season
The Dodgers confirmed at DodgerFest on Saturday that starting pitcher Walker Buehler would indeed be delayed to start the 2024 season. It’s not the news that fans wanted to hear, but the decision has been made to make sure Buehler will be ready to go for the postseason.
This move was always discussed, but now we have official confirmation. Buehler will be coming off his second Tommy John surgery, so it makes sense why the team wants to be cautious with him.
“I don’t think anyone has a timeline, but it’s fair to say it’s going to be a late start for the season for Walker,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But the rehab work looks great, and I expect Walker to have a heck of a year.”
Per Dave Roberts via The LA Times
Whenever Buehler does return to the mound, it will be a welcome sight for all fans. He quickly established himself as a fan favorite over the years, and the fanbase has been waiting for him to return to the mound.
Before his injury, Buehler was seen as the ace of the pitching staff. He showed the ability to take on the most pressure-filled moments come playoff time and exceed them with flying colors.
“I think there’s a little little bit of art to it, a little bit of science to it, in terms of how fast I can build up,” Buehler said at Saturday’s fanfest event. “I’m sure I’ll make some rehab starts and hopefully get into the rotation in the early part of the year, and then we’ll kind of go from there.
Per Walker Buehler via The LA Times
Luckily for Buehler, the Dodgers have built up strong depth in the rotation to help counteract this decision. Their signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, trade for Tyler Glasnow and signing of veteran James Paxton will all help smooth things over until Buehler can return.
“We have a lot of depth, a lot of talent. Since I’ve been here, it’s never been a one-man show, and it’s not going to be this year, either, so I don’t feel this crazy burden to throw 220 innings or anything like that. But I want to be really good when I play, and I want to play a good amount.”
Per Walker Buehler via The LA Times
For now, Buehler will continue to get into playing shape and rehab. Los Angeles needs him far more in October than in April, so hopefully, he can make it through the entire season unscathed.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Like I continue to say, the Dodgers take First Prize for the most injured and crippled pitching staff in baseball for the past several years. Who knows how Ohtani, May, Kershaw, etc will perform and actually hold up when/if they come back? Get ready for more disappointment, I’m thinking. Perhaps ownership will actually ante up the bucks for healthy and durable players at some point in time rather than always pursing and hoping for “rehabs” and “projects”.