“Hopefully Next Year”: Dodgers Fans Miss Walker Buehler as He Strikes Out Four in Spring Training Debut

In the fast-paced world of Major League Baseball, spring training is often seen as a time for players to shake off the rust, get back into rhythm, and prepare for the grueling 162-game regular season. It’s a time for new faces to make their mark, for veterans to find their groove, and for fans to get a first glimpse of their team’s future. For Los Angeles Dodgers fans, the 2025 spring training season held a particular sense of anticipation. After a season marked by injury and uncertainty, one player’s return was highly awaited: Walker Buehler.

Buehler, the star pitcher who had been sidelined for the entirety of the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to Tommy John surgery, made his long-awaited return to the mound this spring. As one of the cornerstones of the Dodgers’ pitching staff prior to his injury, his absence had left a notable void in the team’s rotation. The absence of Buehler’s electric stuff and leadership on the mound had been felt deeply by both fans and the team alike. Now, as he made his Spring Training debut for 2025, the excitement was palpable.

In his first appearance back on the mound, Buehler wasted no time in reminding everyone why he was once considered one of the most promising pitchers in baseball. The right-hander struck out four batters in two scoreless innings, showcasing his signature fastball and devastating curveball. His performance, while only a glimpse of what’s to come, provided a much-needed sense of hope for Dodgers fans eager to see the return of one of their most beloved players. However, it also underscored the feeling that his absence had been a significant missing piece to the team’s postseason hopes in the last few years.

For Dodgers fans, the excitement surrounding Buehler’s return was tinged with a bittersweet sentiment. The team had experienced several highs and lows without him, and while their pitching staff had remained one of the best in the league, Buehler’s presence had been sorely missed. His return, while promising, raised a crucial question: Would he be able to fully return to the form that made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the MLB, or would he still be a few steps away from the level that fans had come to expect?

Buehler’s Return: A Long-Awaited Comeback

Walker Buehler’s journey back to the mound has been a long and arduous one. After suffering the setback of Tommy John surgery in 2023, the timeline for his return seemed to stretch further and further into the future. The Dodgers’ medical staff and Buehler himself were cautious about rushing him back, as the recovery from such a significant injury requires careful management. His absence was particularly felt in 2024, when the Dodgers’ pitching rotation was solid, but never quite reached the elite level it had when Buehler was fully healthy.

For Dodgers fans, watching a season unfold without their ace felt like an incomplete version of the team they had come to know and love. Even with a wealth of pitching talent, including the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and the up-and-coming talent like Dustin May, the Dodgers missed Buehler’s competitive fire, his ability to handle high-leverage situations, and his fierce mentality on the mound. He had been the pitcher who stepped up in the postseason, who silenced opposing bats in key moments, and who helped push the team to the highest heights.

As Buehler rehabs and works his way back into game shape, Dodgers fans have been waiting eagerly to see if he could return to that dominant form. Spring Training provided the first glimpse of what that might look like, and Buehler’s performance was an encouraging sign. Striking out four batters and looking confident on the mound was a positive start for a player who had spent nearly two years away from game action. However, the key question remained: Would Buehler’s arm and stuff hold up over the course of an entire season, particularly given the pressures of pitching in a postseason race?

Buehler’s Performance in the Spring Training Debut

Buehler’s Spring Training debut was nothing short of encouraging. In his two innings of work, he struck out four batters, mixing his signature high-90s fastball with a curveball that appeared sharp and devastating. His velocity was still there, which was perhaps the most important sign for fans who had been concerned that the long layoff would affect his power. His command of the strike zone was also solid, as he issued no walks, allowing him to remain in control of the at-bat throughout.

Even though Spring Training games are far less intense than regular-season matchups, the energy surrounding Buehler’s return was palpable. Fans in attendance at Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers’ Spring Training facility, couldn’t hide their excitement as the pitcher took the mound for the first time in nearly two years. It was clear that for many, his return represented more than just a pitcher coming back to the mound. It was a symbol of hope and redemption for a team that had faced its fair share of struggles in recent years, particularly in the postseason.

While the stakes in Spring Training are never as high as they are during the regular season, Buehler’s outing was significant in its own right. It provided a mental lift for Dodgers fans and served as a reminder of what the team had been missing. With each strikeout, Buehler showed flashes of the ace-caliber stuff that had made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball before his injury. For many, the hope was that this outing was just the beginning of a successful comeback that would see Buehler back at the top of his game by the time the regular season rolls around.

The Emotional Connection with Dodgers Fans

There’s an emotional connection between Walker Buehler and the Dodgers fan base that goes beyond just his performance on the field. Buehler is seen as a cornerstone of the team, a homegrown talent who rose through the Dodgers’ farm system and quickly became one of the faces of the franchise. His fierce competitive spirit, combined with his calm demeanor on the mound, has made him a fan favorite. In a time when players often move from team to team, Buehler’s loyalty and commitment to the Dodgers have endeared him to fans.

When Buehler was sidelined, it wasn’t just his pitching that was missed — it was his presence. He was a leader in the clubhouse, a player who was always ready to take on the toughest assignments. His absence over the past two seasons meant that the Dodgers lacked that sense of consistency and reliability that Buehler brought to the rotation. With him back on the mound, even in a limited capacity during Spring Training, fans couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. His return symbolized hope for a team that had been so close to winning it all in recent years but had come up short each time.

However, the reality is that Buehler’s return is a double-edged sword for Dodgers fans. While his performance in the spring was undoubtedly encouraging, there is still the looming question of whether or not he can fully return to his pre-injury form. Tommy John surgery is a major procedure, and while many pitchers come back strong, the rehabilitation process is never guaranteed to work perfectly. Some pitchers return to full strength, while others face setbacks or struggle to regain their former effectiveness.

The Big Question: Will Buehler Be Ready for the Regular Season?

For the Dodgers, Buehler’s return is a massive wild card. The team has one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball, but adding Buehler back into the mix could give them a true ace at the front of their rotation. The big question for the Dodgers and their fans is whether or not Buehler will be ready to contribute in a meaningful way by Opening Day 2025.

The Dodgers have taken a cautious approach with Buehler’s rehab, ensuring that they don’t rush him back into action. The goal is for him to be healthy for the long haul, and while he showed promise in his spring debut, the team will likely take their time before fully committing him to a starting role in the regular season. They will need to monitor his arm strength, endurance, and overall performance as the season progresses.

If Buehler can stay healthy and find his rhythm, the Dodgers will have one of the most dynamic rotations in baseball. His return could be the missing piece that elevates the team from very good to great. And while the team’s championship window is still open, Buehler’s return could be the key to helping the Dodgers finally secure another World Series title after a long drought.

The Road Ahead

As Dodgers fans watched Walker Buehler strike out four batters in his Spring Training debut, it was impossible not to feel a sense of optimism. The road ahead for Buehler will be long, and there will undoubtedly be obstacles along the way. But for now, the Dodgers and their fans can only hope that this is the beginning of a successful comeback for one of their most beloved players. The excitement surrounding Buehler’s return is just a reminder that, for fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the future is full of promise — especially if the team’s ace can regain his dominant form.