On August 22, Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed that right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler has been reassigned to the bullpen after a challenging season. Cora indicated that Buehler’s next start, originally scheduled for Monday, was undecided amid ongoing internal discussions. This move comes as the team seeks to address Buehler’s persistent performance issues with the pitching rotation.
Ongoing Performance Issues Lead to Change
Walker Buehler’s difficulties have been evident throughout the 2024 season. On August 21, Buehler lasted only four innings and allowed four hits along with four walks in a home loss to the Baltimore Orioles. This outing marked the fourth time in his last five starts that he issued at least three walks, contributing to a rising earned run average (ERA) of 5.40 over 22 starts. His command and control problems have been a major concern for the Red Sox staff.
Asked about Buehler’s potential Monday start, Alex Cora offered limited comments, noting the team had not yet finalized plans. Sources reported the Red Sox were considering using Buehler out of the bullpen as early as the upcoming series against the New York Yankees, a move that would rule him out of the rotation for the Baltimore rematch.
Expectations vs. Reality: Buehler’s Struggles
The Red Sox signed Buehler in the offseason with high hopes. They agreed on a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, who had a disappointing regular 2024 season with a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts. Despite that, his strong postseason performance in the World Series led Boston to view him as a player with upside potential. However, Buehler’s 2025 campaign has been even more troubling, with declining strikeout rates and heightened command issues.
Currently, Buehler has a career-low strikeout rate of 16.5% and generates swings and misses on only 7.7% of his pitches. His walk rate has exceeded 10% for the first time apart from a brief 2017 debut. Entering the All-Star break, his ERA stood at 6.12, although he has slightly improved to 3.66 since. Still, in his last six starts, Buehler has walked as many batters as he has struck out, a worrying sign of diminished effectiveness.
Supporting Pitching Staff Adjustments
In response to Buehler’s struggles, Boston recalled Richard Fitts from Triple-A Worcester on August 22. Fitts, who has experience both as a starter and reliever, is expected to provide depth from the bullpen or potentially resume a starting role. He made 17 appearances between the majors and minors, but averaged just four innings per start and carries a near-5.00 ERA. His rotation spot was affected by the acquisition of Dustin May at the trade deadline, but the team could reconsider that decision depending on the bullpen configuration.
The Red Sox are also evaluating options like Kyle Harrison and Cooper Criswell to fill rotation gaps. Harrison, acquired in the Rafael Devers trade, has started 10 games at Triple-A with a respectable 3.69 ERA but struggles with control, walking 12% of batters faced and working fewer than five innings per outing. Criswell has shown consistency with a 3.70 ERA in 65â…” innings over 16 appearances in Triple-A, giving the Red Sox further options to balance their pitching staff.
Financial and Contract Considerations Following Demotion
If Buehler remains in the bullpen, his income could be affected. He has already earned $1 million in performance bonuses tied to reaching 20 and 22 starts, with additional bonuses of $500,000 available at 24, 26, and 28 starts. The shift away from a starter role limits his ability to reach those thresholds. Buehler is scheduled to become a free agent next offseason after the Red Sox decline a mutual option worth a reported $3 million buyout.
What This Means for the Red Sox’s Season
Walker Buehler’s reassignment underscores the challenges Boston faces in stabilizing its pitching staff as the season progresses. Moving a high-profile signing like Buehler to the bullpen reflects the team’s growing concerns about consistency and control on the mound. The Red Sox must rely on younger arms like Fitts, Harrison, and Criswell to bolster their rotation or bullpen depth. This change offers a chance to improve overall pitching effectiveness but also signals a degree of uncertainty heading into the playoff push.