Dodgers Make Shocking Announcement Regarding Walker Buehler

This just sucks.

The long road to recovery has been extended as the most anticipated Dodger return this season will have to wait until next year.

On Friday, the Dodgers announced that pitcher Walker Buehler will not pitch this season and will turn his attention to being ready for the 2024 season. 

Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery in August of 2022. Since getting the surgery, the plan was for Buehler to be ready for this year's playoffs.

The plan seemed to be working as Buehler was pitching in a rehab assignment just last week. In two perfect innings, Buehler looked great as he touched 96 mph with his fastball for the first time facing batters in a game in over a year. 

While he was trying his hardest to return this year, Buehler said that it was smartest for him to wait, according to a statement from the Dodgers' official social media pages. 

pic.twitter.com/CLg0wK0OxZ

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 8, 2023

Before undergoing his second Tommy John, Buehler was one of the top starting pitchers for the Dodgers. In 115 career games, the Vanderbilt product had a 3.02 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of almost 6/1.

The two-time All-Atar has received Cy Young votes before. Having someone like Buehler back for the playoffs would have been huge for the Dodgers who are now lacking starting pitching depth. 

However, it's good they didn't rush him, and will now have a healthy Buehler back for 2024.