Dodgers: Dave Roberts Takes the Under on Walker Buehler Pitching 200 Innings
It won’t be long now that the Dodgers completely cut Walker Buehler loose. Rather than easing him into seasons, Los Angeles will eventually let him be their ace without any constraints or limitations.
But don’t expect that to be in the 2021 season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about Buehler potentially being a 200 innings guy moving forward. But Doc said that he would take the under on that for the coming season.
Walker has never pitched 200 innings in any season or at any level. The closest he came was in 2019 with the Dodgers when he eclipsed 182 innings. That can be attributed to health reasons, though the blister issue came in a shortened season.
Doc said that he would take the under on Walker Buehler being a 200 inning guy in 2021.
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 26, 2021
But the main reason for not cutting the reins loose is because of Buehler’s history with his arm. The Dodgers drafted him out of Vanderbilt in 2015 only to reveal later that he needed Tommy John surgery. While Los Angeles has a history of picking up project pieces recovering from injuries, this was the first time in a while they were forced into it with a prospect.
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For what it’s worth, we would also take the under on Buehler throwing 200 innings. This year is unlike the last couple of years, with plenty of arms to mix in and out of the rotation as needed. The Dodgers have the ability to keep guys fresh well into October, so expecting any starter to eclipse 200 innings could be a reach.
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Nobody in dodgers will itch 200 innings this year.
No reason for any starter to reach 200 innings. As long as the bullpen is strong, starters go 6 innings max with an occasional 7, and each getting about 25-28 starts. They have the starters to do that and go into Sept strong and ready for the October run and repeat.
You guys and gals are probably right about how long pitchers will go this year as the last decade proves but I miss the days when a pitch went nine and completed a game. Also where have the stolen bases gone? I see Mookie and maybe Taylor as the thieves this year mostly. But remember games used to be won on stolen bases. So many situations we could use them now and never do. Just not taught in spring anymore I guess. Anywho Go Dawgs