The Boston Red Sox have made a surprising move, releasing veteran right-hander Walker Buehler. The announcement came just before Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, signaling a significant shift in the team's pitching strategy.
Buehler's Rocky Tenure in Boston
Buehler's time with the Red Sox was marked by inconsistency. Across 22 starts, he posted a disappointing 5.45 ERA over 112 1/3 innings. His struggles led to a demotion to the bullpen, where he made only one relief appearance before his release. The Red Sox had signed Buehler to a one-year, $21.05MM deal hoping for a bounceback, but those hopes didn't materialize.
What's Next for Buehler?
Now a free agent, Buehler has until Monday to sign with a new team to be eligible for the postseason. While his recent performance raises questions about his market value, his prior success with the Los Angeles Dodgers could make them a potential landing spot. A return to familiar territory might be what Buehler needs to reignite his career.
Red Sox Make Room for New Talent
The Red Sox needed to clear roster space to activate pitching prospect Payton Tolle, who will wear number 70. Releasing Buehler opened up a spot on both the active roster and the 40-man roster. Additionally, infielder Nick Sogard was recalled from Triple-A Worcester, while outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia was optioned back to the minor leagues.
Kyle Harrison Could Debut Saturday
The Red Sox are also considering promoting left-hander Kyle Harrison from Triple-A Worcester to start Saturday's game against the Pirates. Harrison, acquired in the Rafael Devers trade, has a 3.65 ERA in 11 starts for the WooSox. Manager Alex Cora has indicated that Harrison is a strong option, even on short rest. The Red Sox need a starter after demoting Buehler and placing Richard Fitts on the injured list.
Looking Ahead
The Red Sox are clearly looking to the future, prioritizing young talent like Tolle and Harrison. Releasing Buehler, while a tough decision, signals a commitment to building a competitive team for the long term. The team begins a three-game series against the Pirates on Friday, with several pitching options in play.