Walker Buehler Looks Likely to Make Padres Opening Day Rotation
MLB.com's Manny Randhawa writes that at this point, "it stands to reason" that right-hander Walker Buehler "will be part" of the San Diego Padres' Opening Day starting rotation now that right-hander Joe Musgrove (elbow) will start the year on the injured list. As camp progressed, Buehler and German Marquez emerged as the favorites for the final rotation spot. Buehler entered his start against the Giants on Monday with a 5.40 ERA over two spring outings, and Marquez was hit hard his last time out against the Royals to push his spring ERA to 12.15. Buehler tossed five scoreless innings against the Giants on Monday with seven strikeouts to drop his Cactus League ERA to 3.09. The 31-year-old is no longer the same pitcher who throws in the high-90s after missing all of the 2023 season due to arm issues. He had an ERA over 5.00 in his final season in L.A. in 2024 and had a 5.38 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 126 innings with Boston and Philadelphia last year. The fantasy upside is now limited with a lowered strikeout rate, but Buehler could bounce back in San Diego in a pitcher-friendly home environment. Buehler's fantasy stock in NL-only leagues is on the rise.
Source: MLB.com - Manny Randhawa
Source: MLB.com - Manny Randhawa
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