Walker Buehler, a key pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and reigning World Series champion, experienced a difficult outing on Saturday, May 31, at Truist Park against the Atlanta Braves. The Red Sox fell 5-0, with Buehler pitching 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on 10 hits, walking two batters, and striking out six. This performance highlighted the current challenges faced by Buehler as he continues adjusting to his role with the Red Sox.
Buehler’s Reflections on His Performance and Goals
Speaking candidly in the locker room after the game, Buehler acknowledged inconsistent results this season, noting that out of eight or nine starts, only three had gone poorly. He stated,
“I’ve had, what? Eight or nine starts. I think three of them have been really bad and the rest have been in line with how I’ve pitched in my career in terms of output,”
emphasizing his desire to improve. He added,
“Obviously, I like to punch more guys [out], I like to put up less runs … there’s things I want to improve on — [Saturday] included.”
In further remarks, Buehler expressed his determination to contribute more effectively to the team’s success by pitching better.
“I’ve got to pitch better and help us more than I have been,”
he said, underlining his commitment to turning around his recent struggles.
Career Context and Recent Performance Trends
Buehler brought a strong track record into this season, including multiple All-Star selections and two World Series titles, not only in his major league tenure but also with a College World Series win at Vanderbilt. Despite a brief stint on the injured list in early May, he had rebounded with three consecutive wins and four starts where he allowed no more than three runs.
Currently, Buehler holds a 4.44 ERA across nine starts, with 42 strikeouts in 46.2 innings pitched for the Red Sox. Reflecting on last season’s difficulties, he noted,
“… I think last year, I struggled pretty bad and I had no idea what was happening or what I could improve, and I think every start’s had a little bit of something different that maybe I think helps going forward. I’m definitely more optimistic than I was last year, and I trust the guys here a lot to kind of keep steering them in the right direction.”
Insights on Physical Condition and Approach
Buehler also addressed his physical form and pitching style during the recent start, revealing that his velocity was among the best in years.
“Physically, I feel fine. Today was probably the hardest I’ve thrown in a start in years,”
he said. He added,
“With all the (stuff) we look through on velocity and spin and all that stuff, sometimes you kind of realize it’s not all about that. Not that I feel like I was trying to overthrow, I just had good velocity today. Obviously, it didn’t work out for me and for the team.”
Buehler’s Journey from Minor Leagues to MLB Success
Before joining the Red Sox, Buehler developed through several minor league teams, including the Arizona League Dodgers, Great Lakes Loons, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Tulsa Drillers, and Oklahoma City Dodgers. He made his Major League Baseball debut in September 2017 after being named the Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Overcoming two Tommy John surgeries, Buehler has achieved notable milestones such as two MLB All-Star selections and two World Series championships.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Buehler and the Red Sox
Walker Buehler’s struggles in recent starts highlight upcoming challenges as he aims to regain his previous dominant form. His commitment to improving and trust in his teammates suggest a readiness to overcome these hurdles. How he bounces back could play a critical role in the Red Sox’s pitching strength as the season progresses, making his adjustments a key focus moving forward.