The Los Angeles Dodgers will enter the 2024 season with probably 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 about to return to the mound early within the season after spending the final 12 months 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, but it surely’s additionally vital for his future in MLB. After the 2024 season, he will likely be getting into free company for the primary time in his profession.
Though his impending free company will likely be among the many fundamental 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 occupied with 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 believe the opposite stuff type of fades, no less than for some time, proper? Actually, I most likely gained’t suppose an excessive amount of about it till it occurs. However I clearly find it irresistible right here and love our workforce, 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 an enormous league mound in June 2022 in opposition to the San Francisco Giants. The fitting-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 12 months.
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 an enormous resolution to make relating to Buehler’s future in L.A. previous this season. A lot of it can do with how Buehler performs and takes care of getting back from his second TJ surgical procedure.
It is a make-or-break 12 months for the 29-year-old.
Photograph Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
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