Friday's series opener against the New York Yankees was the perfect opportunity for the Boston Red Sox to get back on track. The Red Sox had gone 3-8 in their last 11 games before facing their AL East rival for the first time this season, highlighting just how important a series-opening victory over the Yankees would be.
Instead of looking competitive, it was a poor effort from Alex Cora's club as the Red Sox fell 9-6 to the Yankees in the Bronx. Starting pitcher Walker Buehler was tagged with the loss after another embarrassing effort as he surrendered five earned runs on seven hits, two homers, and a pair of walks in only two innings of work.
While some players would love to hide their head in the sand after such a forgettable appearance, the Red Sox hurler was more than willing to face the music after the loss.
Red Sox RHP Walker Buehler Gives NSFW Reaction to Loss vs. Yankees
Speaking to reporters following the loss to the Yankees, Buehler made it clear he knows he isn't living up to the $21.05 million contract the Red Sox handed him this past offseason.
"This organization put a lot of faith in me this offseason and I’ve been (EXPLICIT) embarrassing for us," Walker admitted, per Red Sox reporter Christopher Smith.
Walker, 30, was once one of the better starting pitchers in the Majors. The former 2015 first-round pick rose to fame during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which includes going 45-16 with a 2.95 ERA and 678 strikeouts across 106 starts (629 innings) with the club between 2018 and 2022, earning two All-Star nods along the way.
Unfortunately, Walker hasn't been the same pitcher since missing the 2023 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. The Lexington, KY native only went 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts with the Dodgers last season, leading to his looking for a fresh start in Boston. Since joining the Red Sox, though, he's pitched to a 4-3 record and 4.44 ERA — which now includes allowing three HRs and seven earned runs on 14 hits in his last 10 2/3 innings alone.
It's going to be hard to justify keeping Buehler in the rotation if he continues doing more harm than good. He does have a $25 million mutual option for the 2026 season, so it wouldn't be shocking if Boston is ready to move on from him if the club has no intention of bringing him back. Even if it's for an underwhelming return, a clean slate could be what both sides need.
For now, Buehler will get a few days off to get his head back on right, leaving time to tell if his embarrassing season will continue when he takes the mound for the Red Sox next.