Los Angeles Dodgers: Five prospects that could be this year’s Cody Bellinger

Walker Buehler – RHP

(MiLB Career) ERA: 3.17 G: 31 GS: 20 IP: 93.2 ER: 33

Walker Buehler is no stranger to the Major Leagues. Buehler was one of those who got called up to the majors when the rosters expanded on September 1st. When it comes to players like Buehler, players who were only in the majors for a little while, I don’t interpret their big league stats in the same way as I would, say, Justin Turner.

The sample size is just too small.

As we venture into the 2018 season, Buehler has some pretty high expectations on him. Nearly every conversation surrounding the Dodgers’ bullpen this year has included Buehler.

He probably won’t join the team for Opening Day. Dodger fans can expect to see Buehler back in LA around the All-Star Break, if not before. Buehler is one of the players the Dodgers will call upon, should an unexpected injury occur. Just like last year, when Adrian Gonzalez went on the DL and the Dodgers called-up Cody Bellinger ahead of schedule; Buehler is set to do the same.

When the Dodgers entered the 2017 season, Buehler was at the tail-end of recovering from Tommy John Surgery, which he had in the summer of 2015. It’s understandable that the Dodgers were hesitant to let Buehler pitch without limitations last fall, but he’ll be healthier  and ready heading into 2018.

The day Bellinger got called up to the majors, Buehler became the Dodgers’ number one prospect, and that still holds true. Though there are some notable differences between being a rookie pitcher and a rookie hitter, Buehler has to potential to be the Dodgers’ next Bellinger simply because of the company he’ll be in.

When you’re a rookie pitching in the majors for the first time, it sure doesn’t hurt to have Clayton Kershaw, Orel Hersheiser, and Sandy Koufax around to offer up some words of wisdom.

Buehler will join elite company in LA, and when he does, the rest is up to him. With a slider as devastating as his, he’ll fit right in.