(News4usonline) – There is no doubt that the Dodgers’ rotation is deep and talented, but there is uncertainty over how many of their arms will be serviceable for the entirety of the season.
Walker Buehler is one of the many pitchers on this Los Angeles team with health concerns. He had Tommy John surgery in 2022 and is slated to make his return sometime early this year.
The last time we saw Buehler on the mound for an entire season in 2021, he posted a 2.47 ERA with a 16-4 record. He was fourth in the NL Cy Young voting and had established himself as one of the best young pitchers in the game.
Fast forward to 2024, and the question is whether the former All-Star can return to form.
“I expect him to be the same pitcher,” said Dave Roberts. “Right now, the velocity is where it should be, and I think his command will be where it needs to be. There is still a slider in there, a curveball and a cutter that he relies on, and then a changeup mixed in.”
“I don’t think he is expecting any drop off as far as performance,” Roberts went on to say. “As far as the type of pitcher, this is who he is, so I don’t think he is going to change.”
Entering a contract year makes Buehler’s return a little more challenging. He wants to contribute as much as he can to a team labeled World Series or bust, but must also look out for his future.
At his peak, he is one of the most feared starting pitchers in the league, able to put up ace-like numbers. If his plan is to be paid as such, it will be important for Buehler to show he can still produce.
“I think our game is moving very much more quality over quantity. I think that is just how the game is working,” said Buehler on whether statistics or innings will play a larger role in gauging his success.
“I think largely for me, as long as I am healthy, I have a lot of confidence in my ability to go win games and help our team win,” Buehler added. “So I am not really concerned about either; I think it is more about getting to that health floor.”
The 29-year-old has been ramping up his workload during Spring camp, throwing a bullpen earlier in the week, followed up by pitching to live hitters on Thursday.
“I think with Walker, his hope was to make one Cactus League outing. If it happens, great, and if it doesn’t, it won’t be the worst thing, but that is his personal goal,” said Roberts.
Buehler will have the luxury of easing himself back into the rotation once the regular season is underway. He was once the most valued member of the Dodgers pitching staff, but thanks to a massive offseason in which the Dodgers acquired Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, Buehler’s return will be the cherry on top.
The expectation should be that the former ace will take his time when returning, but once he does, he should be the All-Star-level player he was before the injury. If everything goes according to plan, Buehler is another stud on a loaded roster.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.”