USA TODAY Sports

The return of Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler could be here sooner rather than later. 

According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, the two-time All-Star will likely return sometime in May.

"Buehler’s spring progression has been slowed with an eye toward starting his season late, most likely not until May."

— via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group

Buehler has been out for over a year and a half after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. His last start on the mound for the Boys in Blue was on June 10, 2022, against the San Francisco Giants.

In the meantime, the Dodgers will look at their young pitchers Gavin Stone and Michael Grove and veterans James Paxton and possibly southpaw Ryan Yarbrough to carry the load until Buehler returns. 

All hands will need to be on deck to start the season, as Buehler's presence has been heavily missed. When the 29-year-old is on the mound, he's among the best pitchers this game has to offer.

Buehler just wants to be good again, and everyone wants the same for him. This will be a massive season for the former first-round draft pick, as he will look to get paid next offseason. 

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