Walker Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Boston Red Sox last winter, is determined to turn around a challenging season as the trade deadline approaches. After early promise, Buehler has faced setbacks but is now showing improvement and hopes to secure his place in Boston’s rotation while pushing for a playoff berth.
Buehler began the season with solid performances but ran into trouble starting May 31 in a game against the Atlanta Braves. Over the next six outings, he posted a 1-4 record and a 10.80 ERA, struggling to complete five innings in most starts. However, before the All-Star break, he recovered somewhat, giving up five earned runs over 11 innings in two starts. Most recently, Buehler delivered a strong outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing just one earned run over seven innings, using only 89 pitches with 61 strikes.
Adjusting Mechanics to Regain Consistency
Buehler acknowledges he has not lived up to expectations recently but remains focused on contributing meaningful innings if the Red Sox reach the playoffs. He is actively working on his pitching mechanics to improve his performance.
I keep seeing all this stuff about guys starting playoff games. At this point, I’m not a guy that can do that,
Buehler said, via MassLive.
My whole career, that’s what I’ve done and done really well. I think that’s the goal, to stay in that conversation to start playoff games when we get there.
To refine his delivery, Buehler has consulted biomechanical experts, including a specialist facility in Atlanta. These discussions have helped him identify key adjustments that feel more natural and effective on the mound.
I’ve been talking to some biomechanic people, a couple different ones,
Buehler explained.
Went to a place that specializes that in Atlanta. To be honest with you, just having different conversations with different people will spark things. I found a couple new cues that make everything feel a little bit more normal. Now it’s just honing that in with a little more violence.
Red Sox Rotation Faces Depth Challenges Amid Injuries
The Red Sox pitching staff has bright spots, including Garrett Crochet as the team ace and encouraging outings from Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello. However, the rotation is stretched thin due to season-ending injuries to Hunter Dobbins and Kutter Crawford, Kyle Harrison’s difficulties in Triple-A, and Tanner Houck’s ongoing recovery.
In this context, Buehler’s recent improvement is especially important. While he admits he has not been dominant, he feels he is returning to his usual form.
My last three have been a big improvement on the six or eight before that. I feel like I’m on the right track,
Buehler said.
This one in particular, I felt a lot more normal. When I threw the ball, it was in the zone, regardless of what I was trying to do with it.
The way I was brought up in this game and how I learned growing up was that if you don’t have your best stuff, you try to get the ball on the ground and eat innings and get through games. I felt like tonight was as good as my delivery has been but my arm’s a little bit behind that. It’s not like I went and punched 10.
Significance for Red Sox’s Playoff Push
With the trade deadline approaching and the Red Sox vying for a playoff spot in the American League, Buehler’s ability to stabilize the rotation could have a meaningful impact. His commitment to mechanical adjustments and improving his recent form suggests he is ready to help the team when it matters most. The Red Sox will need consistent contributions from their starters, especially given the rotation’s current lack of depth and injuries.
As Boston navigates the final months of the season, Buehler’s return to form may influence the team’s roster decisions at the deadline and could prove vital in their postseason quest.