Walker Buehler, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, embarked on a comeback journey during the 2023 season following his right flexor tendon repair and second Tommy John surgery in 2022. However, his return was short-lived, as he only made one start with Triple-A Oklahoma City in early September as part of a rehab assignment. Subsequently, Buehler announced that his focus had shifted to prioritizing his health for the 2024 season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently commented that Buehler would be ready for spring training, but his regular-season debut might be delayed to manage his innings effectively. The team is considering implementing strategies such as a potential innings limit or abbreviated starts to ensure Buehler can finish the season without exhausting his pitching capacity.

During an appearance on the “Roggin and Rodney” show, Buehler expressed feeling healthy but remained uncertain about the team’s plans for him:

“I feel good. I’ve been in the gym for a little over a month now, so we’re gradually getting back into it. I’ll start playing catch soon, build up, and try to get ready as soon as I can. I don’t know the specifics regarding innings limits and other considerations coming off surgery, but as of now, I feel great, and hopefully, I’ll be ready to compete.”

Regarding Buehler’s management, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of ensuring Buehler can complete the season without exhausting his pitching resources. The team may choose to start him later in the regular season or incorporate breaks and shorten his starts when necessary.

“It’s a combination,” Roberts explained when asked about managing Buehler. “We want him to finish the season with an available pitch count. So, we could argue for starting and having breaks or abbreviated outings throughout the season, or we could argue for starting a little later to avoid interruptions.”

Ultimately, the decision will involve input from Buehler himself, and the team will fully support it.

Walker Buehler’s most recent Major League appearance was on June 10, 2022, against the San Francisco Giants. He is entering his final year of salary arbitration before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2024 season.

Buehler finds encouragement in the success of Nathan Eovaldi, who successfully returned to the Majors after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries. Eovaldi recently won his second World Series championship with the Texas Rangers. Buehler aspires to achieve similar results and views Eovaldi’s journey as a source of motivation.