Dodgers GM Reveals If Walker Buehler Will Start 2024 Season

Buehler is inching closer and closer to a return.

The return of Dodgers ace Walker Buehler is on the horizon. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes spoke to Doug McKain of dodgersnation.com and said they'll continue to discuss what will work best for the team and Buehler. 

"We'll continue to have those conversations with Walker to see how he's going and see what's best for the team and Walker. His bullpen the other day was outstanding."

Brandon Gomes on if Walker Buehler will be ready at the beginning of the season:

"We'll continue to have those conversations with Walker to see how he's going and see what's best for the team and Walker. His bullpen the other day was outstanding."
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— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) February 3, 2024

Buehler last pitched in June 2022 after suffering flexor tendon repair. He missed all of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery. 

It was his second career Tommy John surgery, undergoing the first in August 2022. The two-time All-Star was looking forward to returning in 2023, but unfortunately, it didn't work out for him and the squad. 

We all know Buehler is an ace; however, whatever role he plays to start the season will help the team. Buehler has an arm and pitch mix like no other. He's showcased it on the biggest stage, which is why he's been deeply missed in the rotation. 

The Dodgers have flip-flopped and turned the rotation upside down just to keep afloat. With the additions of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, along with Boby Miller, they should be enough to carry the load while Buehler slowly progresses. 

If Buehler isn't in the starting rotation to start the year, it'll only be a matter of time before he's among the top five or six. Once he gets the wheels turning, he has all the tools to be the ace of the Boys in Blue.