The Los Angeles Dodgers announced earlier this week that their All-Star pitcher Walker Buehler won’t return to the mound during the 2023 MLB campaign as previously planned. Instead, Buehler will wait until 2024 to get back into action.
Buehler underwent a Tommy John surgery back in 2022, and the Dodgers hoped they could have him back in time for this year’s playoff run. However, after consultations with his doctor and the team’s front office, the 29-year-old opted to postpone his return for next season.
“My goal since last year has been to return to a Major League mound this season,” Beuhler said in a statement. “After many conversations with my doctor, the Dodgers’ front office, training staff, and my family, we concluded that waiting until next season is the right course of action.”
Buehler was assigned to Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City earlier this month as part of the plan to get him back in action for the postseason. However, he only made one start, facing six batters, before being shut down again.
This development hands a tough blow to the Dodgers’ rotation ahead of the playoffs. In 2021, his last full season, Buehler led the league with 33 starts and earned his second All-Star nod. He finished the campaign with a 16-4 record, a career-best 2.47 ERA and 212 strikeouts.
