The Los Angeles Dodgers have given a significant update on the injury status of starting pitcher Walker Buehler. Buehler, who hasn’t participated in a game since 2022 due to his second Tommy John surgery, completed four innings in a simulated game on Monday, as reported by manager Dave Roberts to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
Roberts mentioned that Buehler is nearing readiness for a rehab assignment and that the team will determine his next course of action following his upcoming bullpen session later this week, as stated by Harris on X (formerly Twitter).
Walker Buehler nearing return?
Buehler has been diligently working towards his return in recent weeks. Although there isn’t a specific comeback date set, he appears to be on the brink of embarking on a rehab assignment. The Dodgers will carefully assess his upcoming bullpen session and may announce his rehab assignment if it goes smoothly.
With Buehler having undergone two Tommy John surgeries, the Dodgers are prioritizing his long-term health and won’t rush his return. While fans eagerly await his comeback, the team is mindful of the need to proceed cautiously.
The primary focus is ensuring Buehler’s readiness for the playoffs, which are still a considerable distance away. While the target is to have him back well in advance of October, the Dodgers are committed to gradually reintegrating him into the starting rotation at the MLB level.
Monitoring Buehler’s performance during his rehab assignment will be crucial. While he’s been active in bullpen sessions and simulated games, pitching in a live game environment with spectators presents a different challenge. Buehler is likely to make several minor league starts before rejoining the Dodgers’ rotation.
In a previous statement in February, Buehler hinted at his return timeline, expressing gratitude for the cautious approach taken last year and emphasizing the goal of peak performance towards the end of the season.
Dodgers starting rotation to begin 2024 season
With Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto kicking off the season in South Korea against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers’ rotation will see some adjustments as injured pitchers like Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, and Dustin May progress in their recovery.
Glasnow and Yamamoto will serve as the initial anchors of the rotation. Bobby Miller, who has shown ace-caliber potential, was always expected to secure a spot in the rotation. Additionally, manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that James Paxton and Gavin Stone will fill out the pitching staff, according to Dodgers reporter Kirsten Watson.
However, Paxton and Stone will need to perform consistently to maintain their places in the rotation once other starters return from injury. Walker Buehler, in particular, will likely reclaim his starting role once he completes his rehab assignment.
For the time being, the Dodgers will rely on the pitching talents of Glasnow, Yamamoto, Miller, Paxton, and Stone to anchor their rotation.
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