The Boston Red Sox have continued to defy expectations in the 2025 season, hanging in the wildcard race. It is turning back the clock to former underdog teams that went on surprise postseason runs. The season turning around the moment the franchise traded Rafael Devers is as telling as any move in recent memory. It is an underdog group embracing the mentality and taking on any roles that are asked. This includes struggling starter Walker Buehler, who is being considered for a potential long relief role.
According to a recent report from MassLive's Chris Cortillo, the Red Sox are having internal conversations about whether Buehler will make his next start or be moved to the bullpen.
"Red Sox decision-makers are discussing the possibility of moving Buehler to the bullpen before his next scheduled start Monday in Baltimore, according to multiple sources," Cotillo wrote on Thursday.
Buehler was one of the prized additions of the offseason, having had a lot of great moments with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, things haven't gone as hoped with Buehler going 7-7 with a 5.40 ERA in 22 appearances so far. The starts are so incredibly inconsistent that it has become impossible to continue to put the veteran on the mound.
Perhaps in a smaller sample size, the starter will be able to better focus his pitches and find a path back to the productive option he once was. It simply cannot hurt with how awful the struggles have been; Boston isn't going to have a hard time finding a superior answer.
Red Sox Weighing Moving Walker Buehler to Boston Bullpen
For Buehler, it appears to simply be a case of lost confidence translating into poor location. The needed pitches are still there for the former Dodger to be a productive member of a rotation. Buehler not only has put up great regular season numbers in the past, but been a key piece of a postseason rotation. All leaves reason to wonder what the missing piece is to unlock the pitcher Buehler was prior to the injuries.
Moving the veteran to the bullpen is a step in that direction, allowing him to take a step back and attempt to rediscover success in a smaller role. Boston would be wise to go ahead and make the move, attempting to find another reliable option. It is impossible to believe that even a slight improvement won't be the result, given how much Buehler has been struggling.
The Red Sox remain firmly in the wildcard picture, holding the second wildcard trailing the hated New York Yankees by only half a game for the first wildcard spot. With only a month remaining in the season, it seems legitimate postseason dreams are well within reach as Boston fans hope for another magical run.