Former Dodgers prospect Buehler made his Phillies Triple-A debut

Walker Buehler joined the Phillies on August 31 and today completed his Phillies system debut at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The experienced righty faced the Toledo Mud Hens, the Tigers’ Triple-A team, pitching three innings and throwing 78 pitches (47 strikes). He allowed five hits, including a home run, gave up two runs (one earned), issued three walks, and struck out five batters.

For Buehler, who was released by the Red Sox on August 29 after a difficult first season in the American League, control remains an issue. In 23 appearances (22 starts) for Boston, he posted a career-worst 4.4 walks per nine innings and 6.7 strikeouts per nine innings.

Buehler is expected to need just one adjustment start in the minors before joining the Phillies. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said before Buehler’s Triple-A debut that the veteran right-hander is likely to make his first start on September 12 against the Kansas City Royals, as the Phillies shift to a six-man rotation to give all starters extra rest before the playoffs.