Dodgers News: Roberts Planning for Walker Buehler in the Near Future
The Dodgers seem to be missing the dominant starting pitching that we've seen in years past.
One of the main reasons is because Walker Buehler hasn't pitched at all this season, and the Dodgers really miss his presence in the rotation.
The 29-year-old is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, and he has set his sights on a return date back to the Dodgers, but Dave Roberts thinks it may be a little too optimistic.
"I think [Sep 1] is optimistic, but when you're talking about superstars that have super powers, I don't think anything is off the table. And, for me, if Walker says September 1 is on the table, it's on the table. Everything in Arizona is tracking the right way in the build up, he's on track. And so if we can kind of continue to get him going through September into October, I don't see how he couldn't be a regular starter for us. This is a bet on Walker, but his health is first and foremost number one."
Buehler was an all-star in his last full season in 2021. He pitched to a 2.47 ERA over 207.2 innings and finished 4th in the NL Cy Young race.
It's no question that when Walker Buehler is healthy, and when he's in the clubhouse, the Dodgers are a better team. But the real question here is whether or not he'll be fully healthy by September 1. By the looks of this video he posted to his Instagram today, he seems ready to go.
Dave Roberts has full trust in the process, and he believes that Buehler knows what's best for his body, so if he can't be 100%, he won't be out there.
With this being his second Tommy John, he's been through the process before, so he knows how his body will react, and how long it will take to be ready.
Do you think that Walker Buehler could help contribute to this team in October?
