Boston Red Sox's starting hurler Walker Buehler has been a great pitcher throughout his entire career. He was once the ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff. But notice those two key words: "has been". There's nothing left for Buehler nowadays, and it's time for a shake-up in Boston, starting with him.
Red Sox RHP Walker Buehler Might Not Make It Past July
Buehler is one of the American League's worst pitchers this season, in terms of ERA (6.29), walks (29), and hits allowed (70) in his 13 games. Most of these stats listed are not too different than what his stats were with the Dodgers last year (5.38 ERA, 28 walks, & 89 hits allowed in 16 games). Many Red Sox fans want him gone, and some want him in the bullpen to rehash things like manager Alex Cora did with Nick Pivetta.
However, sometimes a pitcher just can't return to their former self after coming back from an injury. This may just be the case for Buehler, whose performances have been unpredictable this season.
His time with the Red Sox will most likely come to an end sooner rather than later, and who knows if he'll ever be what he once was. A lot of fans were excited about Buehler signing with Boston, seeing how he signed for just over $21 million. He was coming back from injury in 2024, yes, but had one of the best World Series performances in recent history, leaving fans hopeful that he could turn back the clock with a fresh start.
That performance hasn't come back for Walker. Not in the slightest. In his last appearance on June 23, he walked three and hit two batsmen in the first inning and gave up five runs. By the way, the Red Sox had a 3-run first inning to ease Walker in. Frustratingly, he not only helped the Angels tie the game, but he also hit two batters, giving up their lead.
Many teams don't want that on their team, and the Red Sox will have to part with a prospect to get rid of his contract...if that. They could also DFA him and eat the money. The choice is Craig Breslow's, so let's hope he gets this right.