‘Self-fulfilling prophecy.’ The Dodgers’ role in MLB’s pitching injury epidemic
LA TimesDuring his rise to professional stardom, Walker Buehler encountered a proverbial bridge in the pathway of his burgeoning career. There’s some cost-benefit to it.” Indeed, like a growing number of pitchers in the Dodgers organization and around baseball, Buehler experienced each — blossoming as a World Series champion and two-time All-Star, but also suffering two Tommy John surgeries that, at age 30, have diminished his current performance and forced him through a tedious comeback process the past couple years. “That’s what we do.” Stories like Buehler’s are commonplace in baseball’s current moment, epitomizing the difficult dynamic at the heart of MLB’s growing pitching injury epidemic: Thanks to advancements in data, technology and the cutting-edge training programs they have borne — from weighted-ball throwing programs to biomechanically-engineered deliveries — the ability to cultivate high-end “stuff” has never been better. “Put all the emphasis on velocity, and you end up with a bunch of hard throwers who are blowing out.” The epicenter of the crisis might be in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers have had the majors’ most injury-prone pitching staff in the last four years: Since 2021, the Dodgers have had 98 injured-list stints for pitchers — the most in MLB. “I think it’s fair,” one rival evaluator said, “to question their pitching injuries.” The trend has also raised alarms within the Dodgers organization, with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes both saying in the last month that — amid another wave of losses that culminated with Gavin Stone’s shoulder injury during the weekend — club officials would be “looking into” a problem that has seemingly transcended simple health luck.
History of this topic
Dodgers' comeback stuns the Yankees
China Daily
Dodgers' comeback stuns the Yankees
China Daily
Dodgers take commanding 3-0 World Series lead over Yankees behind Walker Buehler
LA Times
Dodgers' Walker Buehler finally starting to adapt to his reality
LA Times
With one pitch, Walker Buehler shows his evolution as Dodgers take NLCS Game 3
New York Times
Dodgers' starting pitching mistakes could mean another NLDS exit
LA Times
Walker Buehler has another rocky start as Dodgers’ NL West lead shrinks to 3
LA Times
‘Feel like myself.’ How embattled Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is salvaging his season
LA Times
Dodgers hope Walker Buehler can pull off the impossible
LA TimesDodgers’ Walker Buehler returns from IL, struggles to regain All-Star form in start vs. Brewers
Associated Press
Christian Walker frustrates Dodgers in series loss to Arizona: ‘He’s Babe Ruth against us’
LA Times
‘Occupational hazard’: Why pitching injuries have put the Dodgers in a trade deadline jam again
LA Times
Dodgers’ Walker Buehler, still in ‘search mode,’ goes on injured list with hip injury
LA Times
Column: For Dodgers, Walker Buehler’s evolution remains a ‘process’ that they’re working through
LA Times
Walker Buehler delivers best start since returning from surgery, fueling Dodgers’ win
LA Times
Dodgers Dugout: Should the Dodgers be worried about Walker Buehler?
LA Times
Column: Walker Buehler’s return featured encouraging signs. Can he can build on those?
LA Times
Dodgers put Joe Kelly on injured list because of shoulder strain
LA Times
Walker Buehler shows some rust but overcomes it in his Dodgers return
LA Times
‘Ownership of the game’: Former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler is ready to return
LA Times
Dodgers two-time All-Star Walker Buehler looking forward to return from Tommy John surgery
Associated Press
Walker Buehler to make MLB return from Tommy John surgery Monday vs. Marlins, Dave Roberts says
New York Times
Walker Buehler looks sharper in probably last minor league rehab start
LA Times
Walker Buehler’s long-awaited Dodgers return might require more waiting
LA Times
Dodgers’ Walker Buehler is throwing hard, talking trash and staying patient
New York Times
Young Dodgers reliever Kyle Hurt caps a ‘pretty crazy 24 hours’ with strong showing
LA Times
Dodgers announce Walker Buehler will not return this season
LA Times
Dodgers’ Buehler faces live hitters for 1st time in latest step from surgery rehab
Associated Press
Reinforcements on the way? Dodgers see positive signs from Walker Buehler, Blake Treinen
LA Times
With Dustin May set for season-ending elbow surgery, Dodgers’ rotation needs grow
LA Times
Walker Buehler aims to be back by September. Dave Roberts isn’t so sure
LA Times
Dodgers face myriad issues that ‘we got to get better at’ after another series loss
LA Times
Walker Buehler undergoes second Tommy John surgery on right elbow
LA Times
Dodgers’ Walker Buehler undergoes second Tommy John surgery: ‘A tough blow’
New York Times
Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler to undergo season-ending surgery
LA Times
Walker Buehler set to take another significant step in comeback from injury
LA Times
Dodgers Dugout: The curious case of Walker Buehler
LA Times
Dodgers stage stunning rally but fall to Phillies as Max Muncy’s struggles continue
LA Times
Walker Buehler grinds out ace-worthy effort in Dodgers’ win over Tigers
LA Times
Walker Buehler throws first career shutout in Dodgers’ win over Diamondbacks
LA Times
‘He’s just that talented’: Stories from Walker Buehler’s rise as Dodgers ace
LA Times
Dodgers starters building up faster than expected, even after lockout delay
LA Times
Walker Buehler to start Game 6 of NLCS for Dodgers on short rest
LA Times
Get a grip: Dodgers pitchers are ready to adjust to MLB’s foreign-substance crackdown
New York Times
Walker Buehler flirts with no-hitter, leads Dodgers past dreadful Diamondbacks
LA Times
Walker Buehler reliable for questionable Dodgers pitching staff
LA Times
Walker Buehler’s unshakable confidence comes from repeated tests at Vanderbilt
LA Times
Walker Buehler lauds Dodgers bullpen rather than explain his command issues
LA Times
Small Texas town revels in watching Dodgers pitcher Dustin May blossom so close to home
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