Walker Buehler’s Road to Recovery: A Determined Comeback for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024
In the 2023 season, Walker Buehler, the talented pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, embarked on a challenging journey to return to the field following a right flexor tendon repair and his second Tommy John surgery in 2022. Despite his efforts, Buehler’s comeback bid was halted after a brief rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
During his rehabilitation, Buehler made a lone start with OKC in early September, but he soon announced that his primary focus had shifted towards ensuring his complete recovery for the 2024 season. Recently, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that Buehler would be ready to participate in spring training. However, there is a possibility that his regular-season debut could be delayed as a precautionary measure to manage his innings effectively.
In a recent appearance on the “Roggin and Rodney” show, Buehler shared his positive outlook on his health but admitted uncertainty regarding the team’s plans for him:
“I feel good. I’ve been in the gym for a little bit over a month now, so we’re kind of getting back into it. Start playing catch here soon, build up, and try to get ready as soon as I can. I don’t know in terms of innings limits and stuff like that, coming off surgery, what we’re going to do, but as of right now, I feel great, and hopefully I’ll be ready to roll.”
According to Roberts, the Dodgers are considering various strategies to handle Buehler’s workload. They may opt to delay his initial start of the regular season to conserve his innings. Another possibility is providing him with breaks or shortening his starts during the year to ensure his long-term availability.
“It’s a combo,” Roberts explained when discussing Buehler’s management. “It’s what’s best to have him able to finish the season with bullets left. So, you could argue start and have a stop or an abbreviation throughout the season, or you could argue just start a little bit later so there’s no pause. So, there’s no right answer; obviously, Walker’s going to be a big part of the conversation, and then we’ll be all in on that.”
Buehler’s last appearance in a Major League game dates back to June 10, 2022, against the San Francisco Giants. As he enters his final year of salary arbitration, Buehler aims to make a successful return before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2024 season.
Encouraged by the achievements of Nathan Eovaldi, a pitcher who has successfully returned to the Majors after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries, Buehler seeks inspiration from Eovaldi’s triumphs. Eovaldi recently secured his second World Series championship with the Texas Rangers, providing Buehler with hope for a similar journey of success.
As the 2024 season approaches, Walker Buehler remains determined to overcome his setbacks and make a resounding comeback for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans eagerly await his return to the mound, ready to witness his tenacity and skill once again.