Red Sox Release Walker Buehler and Promote Payton Tolle
The Boston Red Sox have made significant decisions regarding their roster, including the release of experienced right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler and the promotion of promising prospect Payton Tolle for his debut in the Major Leagues.
Buehler, 31, and a two-time All-Star, who won two World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed a one-year contract for $21.05 million with the Red Sox for 2025, with a mutual option for the next year.
However, Buehler’s season has been difficult, with a 7-7 record and a 5.45 ERA in 23 games, including 22 starts. Buehler was on pace for career lows in several categories and was recently relegated to the bullpen. In eight seasons in the Major Leagues, he has a 54-29 record in 144 starts.
Buehler had a tough time last season, after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. However, he is remembered for closing out the Dodgers’ victory in the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, recording the final three outs in Game 5, two days after pitching five scoreless innings as a starter in Game 3.
Tolle, the Red Sox’s second-round pick from the 2024 MLB amateur draft, was scheduled to start against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. The left-handed pitcher had a 3-5 record and a 3.04 ERA in 91 2/3 innings across three levels in the minor leagues, most recently at Triple-A Worcester.
Boston also called up infielder Nick Sogard from Worcester and sent outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia to Worcester.
