Dodgers

Dodgers: Walker Buehler Focused on Avoiding Early Season Struggles

Recently, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler talked about his first bullpen session of spring training. Moreover, he mentions an off-season routine he picked up from Washington Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer.

Undeniably, it’s getting harder and harder not to just write ‘young superstar’ in front of Buehler’s name every time I write it in a post. It feels like his time on the big stage is really upon us. Therefore, he spoke on the big stage of SportsNet LA with Alanna Rizzo about competition in the Dodgers’ starting rotation, the addition of David Price, and his focus on a better start to the 2020 season.

First, Buehler likes the depth the Dodgers can run out there in 2020 when it comes to starting pitching.

“Obviously adding [David] Price in there and bringing Woody [Alex Wood] back adds to what we do and we have 8 to 10 guys that can start and win games for us. There is lots of competition, and that’s the way we like it.”

Next, Rizzo asks Buehler how his first bullpen felt. The young buck says while he didn’t seem completely satisfied, that will probably become commonplace when he’s getting in his work.

“I didn’t like what happened early last year, so I tried to focus this off-season on staying healthy. I feel good about it, and threw a live BP yesterday so we’re on the way. I probably won’t be very happy with anything I do until the season starts.”

Finally – on the heels of a 2019 season in which he finished 14-4 with a 3.26 ERA and 215 strikeouts in just 182 innings – Buehler doesn’t need to move the needle much to be considered the game’s best.

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The steps he takes right now will be what takes him from the elite tier to the premiere right-handed starter in the entire National League, along with just letting his natural talent shine.

NEXT: Buehler Beyond Hyped for Betts, Price in LA

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