The Los Angeles Dodgers will enter the 2024 season with presumably essentially the most loaded rotation within the main leagues. It’s one of many deepest rotations L.A. has had shortly, particularly as soon as Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler return.
Buehler is ready to return to the mound early within the season after spending the final yr and a half recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure. It’s the second time in his profession he’s had TJ surgical procedure.
Not solely is his return essential to the Dodgers, however it’s additionally necessary for his future in MLB. After the 2024 season, he shall be coming into free company for the primary time in his profession.
Though his impending free company shall be among the many essential speaking factors relating to the 29-year-old this season, that’s the very last thing on his thoughts.
The 2-time All-Star spoke with reporters, together with FOX Sports activities Rowan Kavner, and mentioned he’s not desirous about free company — however he did make it clear he loves being with the Dodgers.
“I nonetheless haven’t gotten to pitch in a major-league sport since two Junes in the past,” Buehler mentioned. “So, I feel the opposite stuff type of fades, a minimum of for some time, proper? Truthfully, I most likely received’t suppose an excessive amount of about it till it occurs. However I clearly like it right here and love our crew, so we’ll see what occurs.”
—Walker Buehler, through FOX Sports activities
In early January, Buehler and the Dodgers prevented arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $8.025 million contract.
The previous All-MLB first-team pitcher was final on a giant league mound in June 2022 in opposition to the San Francisco Giants. The proper-hander has a profession ERA of three.02 with 690 strikeouts in 638.1 innings pitched.
He’s among the many greatest pitchers within the league when wholesome, and the Dodgers are hoping to get that model of him this yr.
From 2018 to 2021, his 4 healthiest seasons, Buehler went 39-13 with a 2.82 ERA, 620 strikeouts, a 146 ERA+, 3.16 FIP, and a 0.98 WHIP in 95 video games and 564 innings.
The Dodgers can have a giant resolution to make relating to Buehler’s future in L.A. previous this season. A lot of it’ll do with how Buehler performs and takes care of getting back from his second TJ surgical procedure.
This can be a make-or-break yr for the 29-year-old.
Photograph Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
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