Walker Buehler Shares Insight on Missing Dodgers' Spring Training This Year
Your Los Angeles Dodgers had some tough luck with their throwing arms in 2022. They lost or never got back their key pitchers, including 2022 Opening Day starter Walker Buehler.
Buehler suffered an elbow injury during his start against the San Fransico Giants in early June, and that would happen to be his last start of the season. He required Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last August and will most likely miss the 2023 season.
The Dodgers ace talked to Dodgers insider Cary Osborne and discussed his journey through Tommy John surgery and how he expects to return.
“Now having had a few years and some good years, I’ve kind of established that I can compete here,” Buehler said. “So obviously I’d rather be playing, but I just don’t feel as like defeated I guess as some other guys might be (because of Tommy John surgery), or some who might be in a different situation, right? I think there’s some comfort in knowing that if I come back and am myself that things will work out.”
This is the second time the 28-year-old is recovering from TJ surgery after undergoing that surgery in 2015 that he suffered during his time at Vanderbilt.
The two-time All-Star also expressed how hard it is to sit and watch his teammates ‘hunt’ for a World Series title.
“It’s hard to watch guys get ready to go out for a season and go hunt for the World Series and all that stuff. But having whatever percentage of expectation to pitch at the end of the year I think makes this a lot better for me,” Buehler said. “It’s not easy to go to rehab every day by yourself when you’re home. So getting out here, it’s been good for me.”
Buehler is expected to miss the entire 2023 season; however, if he does well in his recovery, we could see the righty in a limited role toward the end of the season.
I wouldn’t bank on that, as it takes roughly 16 months to heal from Tommy John injury fully.
Walker will be missed in the rotation, and we can’t wait to see him back on the hill, whenever that is.
