Walker Buehler ready to debut with the Phillies
Pitcher Walker Buehler is eager for his return to the Major Leagues. He will make his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, in the start of a series against the Kansas City Royals. One of Buehler’s main reasons for excitement is his rejection of the Automated Strike System (ABS) used in the minor leagues.Buehler, who helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series in 2020 and 2024, was released by the Boston Red Sox in August after posting a 7-7 record with a 5.45 ERA in 23 games, 22 of them as a starter. He was quickly signed by the Phillies, leaders of the National League East, who needed a starting pitcher after Zack Wheeler’s absence due to thoracic outlet syndrome. Buehler hopes to contribute to the Phillies in their quest for the World Series title.“I think it’s inaccurate,” commented Buehler, an eight-year veteran and two-time All-Star. “In most stadiums, it’s not even over the plate. I think it moves in certain directions in certain ballparks. The human element is a fundamental part of this game. Starting pitchers who have pitched for a long time deserve certain zones of the plate that others don’t get.”
Walker Buehler
The Phillies plan to use a six-man rotation in the final stretch of the season. Buehler will be eligible to play in the postseason and was assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks in his only start. He struck out five batters and threw 47 of 78 pitches for strikes. Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox last offseason and was expected to be a key member of their rotation. However, he suffered a shoulder injury early in the season and never reached his best form. Boston demoted the 6-foot-2-inch pitcher from its rotation after his start on August 19. He made an appearance with the Red Sox from the bullpen, allowing two runs in 2.1 innings against the Yankees on August 24. He was released to make room for prospect Payton Tolle. One of Buehler’s best performances this season was against the Phillies in Philadelphia on July 21, where he allowed one earned run on six hits in seven innings, striking out four and walking one. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski mentioned that the team’s staff, including manager Rob Thomson, had a Zoom conversation with Buehler and his representatives when he was hired. The discussion included an exchange with pitching coach Caleb Cotham. Buehler expressed his gratitude for the interest shown by the Phillies, describing it as a confidence boost. Buehler struggled last year after his second Tommy John surgery, but he pitched a perfect ninth in the deciding game of the Series, two days after throwing five scoreless innings as a starter in Game 3. “This rehabilitation, as strange as it may seem, after two years of being healthy, takes time,” Buehler said.“They’re a deep and talented team, and I hope I can contribute in some way,” Buehler said before Thursday’s game against the Mets. “I want to get right a little bit and hopefully have a good month, month and a half here and help us win this.”
Walker Buehler
