Former Dodgers prospect Buehler seeks a fresh start in the Red Sox bullpen

Though manager Alex Cora revealed today that right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, who has been struggling, will transition to the bullpen, the place where the decision was made was notably appropriate.

In the final MLB game of the 2024 season, Buehler stood proudly on the mound at Yankee Stadium, striking out Alex Verdugo to clinch the World Series title for the Dodgers.

That marked Buehler’s first appearance as a reliever since 2018; he flawlessly pitched the ninth inning, striking out the last two batters and pouring champagne for the Los Angeles team.

At his best, the 31-year-old hopes to regain his dominance in the bullpen, rebuild confidence, and play a key role in the Red Sox’s late-season push and October playoffs.

The Red Sox have yet to decide who will fill Buehler’s starting rotation spot; his next scheduled start is Tuesday in Baltimore. Left-hander Kyle Harrison, acquired from the Giants in the Rafael Devers trade, is a possibility. Harrison has been pitching for Triple-A Worcester since the trade. Richard Fitts, recalled from Worcester just this past Friday, could also enter the competition.

So far, this season has been tough for Buehler. Last December, he signed a one-year, $21.05 million “bet” contract with the Red Sox. In 22 starts, Buehler posted a 7-7 record with a 5.40 ERA.

Cora and baseball operations director Craig Breslow met with Buehler yesterday to inform him of the decision.

“Obviously, this is disappointing. This is the first time in my career I’ve faced something like this,” Buehler said. “But ultimately, for the team—and to some extent for myself—this might be the right move for our collective group and gives me a chance for a fresh start. I think it’s the right call for this year’s team.”

“I think for me, this is a situation I’ve spent my whole life trying to avoid. But given my performance this season and last, it’s definitely understandable, and something I’ll work to accept over the coming months.”

There have been moments this season when Buehler seemed close to rediscovering his old form.

Most notably, two outings stand out. On July 21 in Philadelphia, Buehler pitched seven innings allowing only one run. Then on August 8 against San Diego, he threw six scoreless innings. The problem is that these few strong performances have often been followed by poor outings.

“I think you have to have confidence in this game. If I can find that feeling in an inning, I believe it’s good for everyone involved,” Buehler said. “There are things this season I’m proud of. Obviously, I pitched well against the Phillies and Padres—both excellent teams. I think that will stick with me; that feeling of success remains, and I can be a successful starter. But right now, I just can’t do it.”

Buehler is still in the early stages of refining his pitching approach in a bullpen role. Life as a reliever might simplify his pitching, as he has seven different pitches in his arsenal. It will be interesting to see how this simplification takes shape.

“When all my pitches have struggled throughout the season, it’s hard to say which two will be the key weapons, so we’ll figure out what it looks like,” Buehler said. “Certain things happen that change your pitching strategy. One pitch feels good, another doesn’t. So we’ll discuss and see if we can find a spot that feels comfortable for everyone.”

Although Buehler’s last season ended in glory, statistically it resembles this year closely. After returning from ligament replacement surgery, he started 16 games for the Dodgers in the 2024 regular season, going 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA.

However, he did not allow any runs in his last three postseason appearances.

“After a season like last year, then finishing strong, with two great playoff outings, people tend to overlook that I had a rough year,” Buehler said. “You might get a bit complacent, thinking every time I take the mound, I’m going to pitch well, because my first 100 or so starts in the majors were like that. So yes, it’s kind of back to square one, and I’m working to get my body better for next season.”