Red Sox Surprise: Walker Buehler Cut, Tolle Debuts

Walker Buehler is Released by the Boston Red Sox

Pitcher Walker Buehler, who secured the final out in the World Series victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, was released by the Boston Red Sox on Friday. The decision was made after the team concluded that Buehler could not significantly contribute to the pursuit of a playoff spot from the bullpen. Buehler, 31, struggled since signing a $21.05 million contract with Boston, recording a 7-7 record with an ERA of 5.45. He made 22 starts before being relegated to the bullpen last week. In his only relief appearance, he allowed two runs in 2⅔ innings in a loss to the New York Yankees.

It’s difficult, but this is our situation. I know it wasn’t how he or we expected. He expected more, and so did we. I still think he has a lot to give.

Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

Buehler, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, has a 54-29 record in 144 starts during his eight seasons in the Major Leagues. He struggled last year after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery, but pitched a perfect ninth inning in the deciding game of the Series, two days after throwing five scoreless innings as a starter in Game 3. Because the Red Sox released him instead of designating him for assignment, Buehler is eligible to sign with any other team immediately.

This is a player who has been a very good starting pitcher in this league for a long time. He has had trouble staying on the field due to injuries, but we felt he could give our rotation a boost. When it became clear that there would be a better opportunity for him to contribute from the bullpen, we made that move.

Craig Breslow, Head of Baseball

To fill Buehler’s spot in the lineup, the Red Sox called up top pitching prospect Payton Tolle, who made his major league debut against Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Tolle pitched five hitless innings but was replaced after allowing back-to-back singles in the sixth inning, in the Pirates’ 4-2 victory.

We have to make sure we’re thinking about positioning this group better to win the most games down the stretch.

Craig Breslow, Chief of Baseball

Tolle, a 2024 second-round draft pick from TCU, had a 3-5 record and a 3.04 ERA in 91⅔ innings across three levels in the minors, most recently at Triple-A Worcester. Boston also called up utility player Nick Sogard from Worcester and sent outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia to Worcester.