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Dodgers Spring Training: Walker Buehler Expected To Throw 2nd Live BP Before Starting Cactus League Game

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Although Walker Buehler emerged as a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation in 2018 and should assume a larger role this season, the club has still cautiously handled him thus far in Spring Training.

As other pitchers in camp were throwing bullpen sessions and advancing to face batters, Buehler continued to be ‘slow-played.’ He expressed an understanding with the Dodgers electing to err on the side of caution, and maintained he will be prepared come Opening Day.

Buehler threw another bullpen session earlier this week, and on Saturday followed that up with live BP. He’s expected to throw another and then advance to starting a Cactus League game, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:

He’s “champing at the bit, but understanding that there’s a process in place,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “So Walker understands the long view and just understanding that there’s a progression that needs to take place. And he’s on board.”

Roberts said that if all went well, Buehler would throw another live batting practice before pitching in a Cactus League game.

Buehler’s availability come Opening Day is of further significance considering where Clayton Kershaw is. Inflammation in Kershaw’s left shoulder forced him to be temporarily shut down and delayed his progression.

Though, the Dodgers have maintained Kershaw is still their starter for the season opener. If that doesn’t end up holding true, Buehler could be an option, or perhaps Hyun-Jin Ryu as remaining on his current schedule aligns him to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 28.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com