Although Walker Buehler saw a significant spike in his workload last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have handled him cautiously thus far in 2019 Spring Training. Unlike other pitchers in camp, Buehler did not begin throwing bullpen sessions at the outset of reporting to Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the club was ‘slow-playing’ the young right-hander, but dismissed the notion that it would impact his availability come Opening Day. Whereas Buehler began last season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he’s been penciled into the Dodgers’ starting rotation.
Presumably even more so in light of Clayton Kershaw having his throwing program interrupted by shoulder trouble. While Kershaw remains on the mend, the Dodgers have not reacted by adjusting Buehler’s plan.
He’s yet to so much as face hitters on a backfield at Camelback Ranch, which Roberts indicated would come as Buehler goes through his progression that leads to pitching in a Cactus League game, via SportsNet LA:
“We do expect him to be ready for the start of the season. I don’t know when that puts us (for a Cactus League game). I know he’s got a couple bullpens before he gets into some live action as far as live hitting. So he’s got a couple bullpens, got to pass those markers, which we expect. And then he’ll face hitters, and at that point in time we can introduce a Major League game.”
Buehler and Roberts were both pleased with what was seen from the 24-year-old when he threw his first bullpen session in late February. “Execution, not where he would like it to be and where it’s going to be,” Roberts said at the time. “The breaking ball had good shape to it, the change was OK. That was his first ‘pen in a while, so he’ll be fine.”
Buehler threw just his second bullpen session of the spring on Sunday. He has identified a goal of pitching 200 innings each season, which he should reach in 2019 as the organization backs off limits that were in place previous years.
