Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Will Not Return This Season
The Dodgers just announced that RHP Walker Buehler will not return this season. Buehler was attempting to come back from his second Tommy John surgery, and said he wanted to return this season.
However, the team released a statement, and said that they will not bring him back this year, with an eye toward the 2024 season.
Here was the full quote from Buehler in the statement:
“My goal since last year has been to return to a Major League mound this season,” Buehler said. “After many conversations with my doctor, the Dodgers’ front office, training staff and my family, we concluded that waiting until next season is the right course of action. I am disappointed that I will not be able to help this team go after a title in the 2023 postseason, but | look forward to returning fully healthy in 2024 and bringing another World Series to L.A.”
This is a tough blow for Buehler, who really wanted to return this season and help the Dodgers chase a World Series. However, he clearly had tons of conversations with the right people, and they decided it was best he wait until 2024. We obviously respect the decision, and can’t wait to see him back on a mound in 2024.
As for the Dodgers, though, this only gives them more question marks for their postseason pitching.
With Julio Urias on administrative leave and likely done for the year, the team is running out of proven options in October.
Clayton Kershaw is not 100 percent and Lance Lynn is struggling, and outside of those guys, it’s all rookies.
The Dodgers are going to have to rely on one or two of Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Emmet Sheehan and Gavin Stone, with Ryan Yarbrough and Michael Grove mixing in as piggybacks.
Andrew Friedman said he was confident in the pitching with or without Urias, but LA is going to need their rookies to step up if they want any chance of winning in October.
As for Buehler, we wish the best on his continued recovery, and can’t wait to see him back on the mound in 2024.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
