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In a significant move for their pitching rotation, the San Diego Padres have reportedly signed veteran right-hander Walker Buehler to a one-year Minor League deal. While the club has yet to officially confirm this agreement, the signing marks yet another step in Buehler’s journey as he aims to regain his form following a challenging battle with injuries.
Walker Buehler’s Comeback Journey
At 31 years old, Buehler is looking to bounce back after undergoing his second Tammy John surgery in August 2022. This surgery significantly impacted his career, causing him to sit out for nearly two years before re-entering action in May 2024.
Walker Buehler once stood out as one of MLB’s top pitchers, demonstrating his talents during four impressive seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2018 to 2021. Over 95 games, he posted an exceptional 39-13 record with a 2.82 ERA, making two All-Star teams and earning recognition in NL Cy Young Award voting. His performance in the postseason was particularly notable, helping the Dodgers clinch the championship in 2020 while posting a stellar 2.94 ERA in the playoffs.
Recent Additions to the Padres’ Rotation
Walker Buehler isn’t the only experienced arm the Padres have added recently. He joins a roster that has also brought in Griffin Canning, Germán Márquez, and veteran southpaw Marco Gonzales. These signings indicate the Padres’ commitment to bolstering their rotation, as they anticipate competition for the final spots behind key pitchers like Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Joe Musgrove.
- Competition for spots includes:
- JP Sears
- Matt Waldron
- Randy Vásquez
- Triston McKenzie
Performance and Expectations
Despite the struggles in his return, Walker Buehler remains a player with enormous potential. He recorded an 11-13 record with a 5.10 ERA over his recent seasons with the Red Sox and Phillies. What stands out is his resilient performance in the postseason, especially during the Dodgers’ title run in 2024, where he achieved remarkable feats including two starts with 10 scoreless innings.
As Buehler embarks on this new chapter with the Padres, fans are hopeful he can regain the form that once made him one of the league’s premier pitchers. His past performance indicates that in the right environment and with the right support, he could flourish once more.
Conclusion
Walker Buehler’s addition to the San Diego Padres allows for renewed excitement as he attempts to navigate the challenges of returning to peak performance. His journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience in the face of adversity, something that resonates with many sports fans as they follow the upcoming MLB season.
FAQs
What happened to Walker Buehler?
Walker Buehler underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2022, which kept him out for nearly two years. He is now signed with the San Diego Padres, aiming for a comeback.
What is Walker Buehler’s career record?
During his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2018 to 2021, he achieved a record of 39-13 with a 2.82 ERA in 95 games.
Who else did the Padres sign recently?
Besides Walker Buehler, the Padres have signed Griffin Canning, Germán Márquez, and Marco Gonzales as part of their effort to improve their pitching staff.
How did Buehler perform in the postseason?
In the postseason, Buehler had a 2.94 ERA over 15 starts with the Dodgers, contributing significantly during their 2020 championship run.
What are the expectations for Buehler with the Padres?
Fans expect Buehler to regain his top form and contribute effectively as a part of the Padres’ rotation, especially given his history of strong performances.
