The Los Angeles Dodgers have been hampered by the injury bug this spring, particularly to the pitching staff in which Clayton Kershaw and Tony Cingrani have most noticeably battled through shoulder pain.
And while he doesn’t necessarily fit under the same category, Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler has also gotten off to a slow start in 2019. After an increased workload last season, he admitted to not feeling himself during the early portion of Spring Training.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that the organization has been cautious with the right-hander, strategically holding him out of Cactus League games as a way to manage his workload.
Buehler has been eased in and recently just completed his first round of live batting practice this year. Prior to that, he had been limited to only bullpen sessions.
With the regular season fast approaching, Buehler is expected to finally make his 2019 Cactus League debut on Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Walker Buehler will pitch for #Dodgers on Tuesday 3 innings/45 pitches.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 16, 2019
While Buehler will be limited to only three innings and 45 pitches, his performance will be a good indicator on whether he is ready to go for the start of the 2019 season.
With time running short, Buehler has maintained confidence he will be prepared and available come Opening Day on March 28 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
