The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been known for their strong pitching rotation, and this season is no exception. With a talented group of veteran pitchers leading the way, there is one young pitcher who has caught the attention of fans and experts alike. He has been labeled as a breakout candidate and is poised to make a big impact on the team’s success this year.
Walker Buehler, a 24-year-old right-hander, has been with the Dodgers organization since 2015 when he was drafted in the first round. He quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues, earning the title of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect. In 2018, he made his major league debut and has been making waves ever since.
Buehler’s talent is undeniable. His fastball can reach up to 100 miles per hour, and he has a devastating curveball that keeps batters on their toes. But it’s not just his physical abilities that make him stand out. Buehler has a strong work ethic and a competitive drive that has impressed his teammates and coaches.
Last season, Buehler made 30 starts for the Dodgers, posting a 14-4 record with a 3.26 ERA. He also struck out 215 batters in just 182.1 innings pitched. These impressive numbers earned him a spot in the All-Star game and solidified his place in the Dodgers’ rotation. But Buehler is not one to rest on his laurels. He has been working hard in the offseason to improve his game and take his performance to the next level.
One of the areas Buehler has been focusing on is his pitch selection. He has been working with his coaches to refine his repertoire and add more variety to his pitches. This will make him even more unpredictable and difficult for batters to figure out. Buehler has also been working on his stamina, aiming to pitch deeper into games and take on a larger workload this season.
The Dodgers’ pitching coach, Mark Prior, has been impressed with Buehler’s dedication and progress. He believes that Buehler has the potential to be a dominant force in the league. Prior stated, “Walker has all the tools to be an elite pitcher in this league. He has a great work ethic and is always looking for ways to improve. I have no doubt that he will continue to develop and become a leader in our rotation.”
Buehler’s teammates have also taken notice of his growth and potential. Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ ace, has been a mentor to Buehler and has seen firsthand the strides he has made. Kershaw said, “Walker is a special talent. He has the ability to be one of the best pitchers in the game. I’m excited to see what he can do this season and for many years to come.”
The Dodgers’ strong rotation is already a force to be reckoned with, but adding a breakout candidate like Buehler only makes it stronger. With Kershaw, Buehler, and other talented pitchers like Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill, the Dodgers have one of the most formidable rotations in the league. This will be a key factor in their pursuit of a World Series title this year.
But Buehler’s potential goes beyond just his impact on the Dodgers. He has also been named as a potential candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, given to the best pitcher in the league. This is a testament to his talent and the high expectations that surround him.
As the Dodgers gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on Buehler to see how he performs. But one thing is for sure, he has the support and confidence of his team and fans. Buehler has the potential to be a breakout star and lead the Dodgers to even greater success. So, let’s all keep an eye on this young pitcher and see what he can accomplish in the upcoming season. Go Dodgers!
