Walker Buehler will have to wait an extra month to make his first start of the season, as the Dodgers have decided to delay his return to limit his workload. He is expected to be limited to 150-175 innings and 24-27 starts. The Dodgers have enough depth to handle this, with new starters Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and James Paxton in the rotation.
Shohei Ohtani is confident he will be ready to serve as the team's designated hitter for the season opener, but he has not started the throwing part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers' disappointing playoff loss last October still lingers, and the team is motivated to bounce back this season.
Top pitching prospect Nick Frasso underwent minor labrum surgery and will likely miss the 2024 season. The Dodgers also signed reliever Dinelson Lamet to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
