The 2018 season is expected to be a big one for Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect Walker Buehler. After a cup of coffee in the big leagues last September, he should have more opportunities this season in his natural starting role.
The year and spring didn’t exactly get off to a great start for Buehler, though, as he reported to camp with a back issue that slowed down his throwing program and kept him off the mound for the first couple of weeks.
But another factor is the Dodgers are monitoring his workload, as they will again limit Buehler’s innings in what’s his second season coming off Tommy John surgery. After throwing a bullpen session and appearing in a “B” game, Buehler is now set for his Cactus League debut.
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, that will come Saturday when the Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs:
Top pitching prospect Walker Buehler, slowed by a sore back, is scheduled to pitch Saturday in his first Cactus League action of the spring.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 9, 2018
Although the Dodgers intend for Buehler to start this season, his work in front of what’s already been announced as a sold-out crowd at Camelback Ranch will come out of the bullpen. Rich Hill is the scheduled starter for the night game.
The debut nonetheless is much-anticipated one for the organization’s top prospect. Buehler figures to have an opportunity to take over a role in the starting rotation at some point this season.
The tentative plan is for him is to pitch an estimated 140-150 innings this season between the Minors and with the Dodgers. It’s presumed Buehler will be limited at the beginning of the season, to allow for him to make a greater impact late in the year and possible postseason games.
