Walker Buehler's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler (elbow) is currently on a "slow program" and won't be on the Opening Day roster, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. As Eric Stephen of SB Nation notes, it's currently unclear whether Buehler will participate in extended spring training or a different method of rehab. Outside of one Triple-A appearance last season, Buehler hasn't pitched since 2022. The Dodgers have a very strong rotation and are in no rush to get Buehler back, but they would certainly benefit from the return of a young hurler who has eclipsed 5.0 fWAR twice since 2019.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (elbow), who had his second Tommy John surgery in August of 2022, may be delayed (by design) to open the 2024 regular season, according to general manager Brandon Gomes. Recent additions of Japanese lefty Yoshinobu Yamamoto and right-hander Tyler Glasnow allow the Dodgers to "slow play" Buehler entering the 2024 campaign. He's expected to be at full strength for spring training after returning to the mound late in 2023 in the minors by throwing two innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City in September. Buehler struggled in his recovery after throwing sessions, though, and was eventually shut down. The Dodgers are most certainly going to limit his innings in 2024, but to what extent isn't known. Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that Buehler could be held back for the entire first month of the season.

Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by settling at $8.025 million for the 2024 season, according to a source. Buehler will receive the same salary from 2023 after he missed all of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old will no longer be eligible for arbitration and will become a free agent following the 2024 campaign. He started a minor-league rehab assignment last September but never pitched in a major-league game. Barring any setbacks this offseason, Buehler should be good to go for Opening Day, although LA could look to limit his innings after not pitching at all last year. Buehler will be a risk/reward fantasy starter that might have to shake off some rust early on.