The Los Angeles Dodgers are a juggernaut. They have been one of the best teams in the majors since the beginning of 2023, and are in first place in the National League West.
The Dodgers' strength is their offense, as they currently rank as the third-best in all of baseball. Their pitching isn't as formidable and they are 19th overall. However, they might be getting one of the top arms in the game back soon, and his name is Walker Buehler.
How soon will Buehler return? Will he be activated this season? Let's take a closer look.
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Walker Buehler Injury Update
Just under 12 months removed from the second elbow construction of his career, Buehler is on the comeback trail. This week, he began throwing to hitters.
What's even more exciting for fantasy managers and Dodgers fans is that he was hitting 93 mph on the radar gun with his fastball. The speedy rehab has been incredibly encouraging and people are excited.
The right-hander said this week that he is optimistic he will contribute to the team's championship aspirations in 2023. "I don't think September 1 is a reality, but I'm hoping to return sometime in September," Bueller stated. The Dodgers rotation could be very scary if everyone is healthy as they attempt to hoist another trophy this October.
Walker Buehler Fantasy Baseball Outlook
When healthy, Buehler is one of the best pitchers in the MLB, no questions asked. The problem is he hasn't been tremendously durable throughout the course of his career.
Last season, the 29-year-old pitched in only 12 games but was very good in those outings, compiling a 6-3 record. However, just one year prior in 2021, he was dominant as he posted a 16-4 record with a 2.97 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. The problem is that his 33 starts were the most he has ever pitched in a season, something he has yet to show on a consistent basis.
If you stashed Bueller on your fantasy rosters, certainly don't let go of him now. There is no telling how he will perform once he returns next month. If he is any semblance of his old self, he can be a serviceable starting pitcher for any team chasing a fantasy championship. The veteran flamethrower has three-plus pitches in his arsenal, and each one could help fantasy managers during their playoff pushes this fall.