Walker Buehler Ruled Out By Dodgers for he MLB Postseason, Eyeing 2024 Return

Walker Buehler, who has been out since June 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, will not return for the playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Friday.

After initial hope that Buehler could return for a playoff push at the latest this season, the door officially closed on Friday.

"My goal since last year has been to return to a Major League mound this season," Buehler said in a statement. "After many conversations with my doctor, the Dodgers front office, training staff and my family, we concluded that waiting until next season is the right course of action. I am disappointed that I will not be able to help this team go after a title in the 2023 postseason, but I look forward to returning fully healthy in 2024 and bringing
another World Series to L.A."

Los Angeles's starting rotation has been weakened this year without Buehler as All-Star Tony Gonsolin's season ended following the announcement of Tommy John surgery in late August, and the arrest of All-MLB lefty Julio Urías. Urías was placed on administrative leave by the league office on Wednesday.

Buehler, who the Dodgers signed to a one-year, $8 million contract before this season despite the Tommy John surgery, has started 15 career postseason games and boasts a playoff ERA of 2.94.