Walker Buehler could very well be cooking up revival with Padres as Dodgers revenge

The rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will have a new layer to it, considering former Dodgers All-Star Walker Buehler is calling San Diego his new home.

One of the main reasons why Buehler sought out the Padres this offseason was because of the opportunity to be a fixture in a starting rotation, and if spring training is any indicator, the two-time All-Star may be plotting some revenge against the Dodgers.

The biggest question that has surrounded Buehler over the past year is how much he has left in the tank. He's only 31 years old, so as long as he can take the mound every five days, there is always going to be a team out there willing to take a chance on him.

But after Buehler posted a 5.45 ERA with the Boston Red Sox and was cut loose before the final month of the season, his career was at a crossroads. Despite rumors of a potential reunion with the Dodgers last September, the veteran righty latched on with the Philadelphia Phillies. He flashed signs of turning back the clock, posting an ERA of 0.66 in three outings.

Walker Buehler's spring training success could signal revenge against the Dodgers

Buehler's most recent spring training start with the Padres could be viewed as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Buehler tossed five scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants on Monday, striking out seven of the 20 batters he faced.

Overall, in three starts this spring, Buehler has an ERA of 3.09 while striking out over 27% of hitters faced. No, spring training results don't always guarantee success during the regular season, but coupled with his run with the Phillies at the end of last year, it would seem that the former Dodger is inching closer to turning the page from his struggles with the Red Sox.

After an underwhelming offseason, Buehler could be a difference-maker for the Padres if he is capable of turning back the clock. That doesn't change the fact that the Dodgers are still clear World Series favorites, but it could make for some awkward moments when the rivalry with the Friars is renewed.