Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Bummed About Missing Spring Training

The Dodger ace is missing his first spring training in a long time.

Walker Buehler has been a key piece of the Dodgers' pitching staff ever since he debuted with the team in 2017. But it's been over 8 months since we last saw the 28-year-old on the mound.

Last June, Buehler pitched his final game of the 2022 season against the Giants before suffering an elbow injury that later required Tommy John surgery.

He and Dave Roberts have already made it clear that the two-time All-Star would not be ready in time for Opening Day. But there's still a possibility that he could be ready at least by the late summer, or early fall. But even that's pushing it. 

For now, the LA starting pitcher has been focused on only things that he can control which is being a supportive teammate out at Camelback Ranch.

In a recent column, Dodgers Insider Cary Osborne shared parts of his conversation with Buehler and his frustration with being on the sidelines.

It’s hard to watch guys get ready to go out for a season and go hunt for the World Series and all that stuff. But having whatever percentage of expectation to pitch at the end of the year I think makes this a lot better for me,” Buehler said. “It’s not easy to go to rehab every day by yourself when you’re home. So getting out here, it’s been good for me.”

“Now having had a few years and some good years, I’ve kind of established that I can compete here,” Buehler said. “So obviously I’d rather be playing, but I just don’t feel as like defeated I guess as some other guys might be (because of Tommy John surgery), or some who might be in a different situation, right? I think there’s some comfort in knowing that if I come back and am myself that things will work out.”

Over the past five and a half years before his season-ending injury, Buehler has been a huge help in the LA starting rotation.

Across his career, he posts a 3.08 ERA with an overall 46-16 record. In 638.1 innings of work he's produced 690 strikeouts and a career WHIP of 1.04.

The Dodgers pitching staff struggled to stay healthy last year as Kershaw took two trips to the IL, Gonsolin dealt with a forearm strain, and Dustin May was still rehabbing from Tommy John.

But hopefully, this year will be different. Although it would be nice to have Walker ready for the 2023 season, the best that fans can do is be patient and hope he can at least make an appearance this year.