Red Sox Weigh Moving Walker Buehler Out of Starting Rotation Soon

August 22, 2025

The Boston Red Sox are increasingly exploring the possibility of altering Walker Buehler‘s role within their pitching staff as the season progresses. Buehler, a two-time All-Star, has been fully healthy this year for the first time after missing significant time during the last two seasons. Despite his health, the 31-year-old’s performance has fallen short of expectations, prompting discussions about his future in the starting rotation.

After making 22 starts this season — the most since 2021 when Buehler recorded a 2.47 ERA and earned All-Star honors — he currently carries a 5.40 ERA over those appearances. Recent reports indicate that the Red Sox are seriously contemplating moving him from the starting rotation to the bullpen to better utilize his skills and provide flexibility to the pitching staff.

Leadership Signals Uncertainty About Buehler’s Upcoming Starts

Red Sox manager Alex Cora recently appeared reluctant to confirm whether Buehler will take his next scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles. When asked about Monday’s start, Cora replied,

“We haven’t talked about it yet,”

highlighting the indecision within the organization as they evaluate their options. This response marks a shift from earlier assurances that Buehler would remain a starter despite his struggles.

Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported that decision-makers within the organization are actively discussing the possibility of shifting Buehler to a bullpen role. This consideration comes as the team weighs how best to address inconsistencies in its starting pitching, while maintaining competitive balance throughout the roster.

Potential Move to Bullpen Could Happen Soon

According to multiple sources cited by Cotillo, the Red Sox may move Buehler to the bullpen in the near future, possibly even before Monday’s game in Baltimore. There is also speculation that he could appear in relief as early as the upcoming series at Yankee Stadium this weekend. This would represent a significant role adjustment for the pitcher, who has primarily been a starter throughout his career.

Meanwhile, the team has plans to utilize rookie Tanner Fitts in relief during the New York series. Fitts has started all 17 games he has pitched this year across various minor league levels and is being prepared to contribute out of the bullpen for the Red Sox. Depending on how Buehler and the bullpen perform over the next few games, the team might either continue with Fitts in relief or consider calling up a pitcher like Kyle Harrison to take a spot in the rotation next Monday if necessary.

Buehler’s Self-Criticism and Ongoing Efforts

Buehler has openly acknowledged his performance issues in interviews throughout the season, often holding himself to high standards and expressing frustration over his results. His candidness reflects a serious commitment to improve, regardless of what role the team ultimately assigns him. The Red Sox hope that a bullpen transition will help Buehler regain his confidence and effectiveness on the mound.

What This Means for the Red Sox’s Pitching Strategy

Shifting Buehler from the rotation to the bullpen would mark a pivotal moment in the Red Sox pitching strategy for the 2024 season. It would signal the team’s willingness to adapt quickly in response to Buehler’s uneven performance, while also emphasizing the value of roster flexibility. The move may pave the way for newer pitchers like Fitts or Harrison to assume larger roles within the starting rotation, as Boston seeks optimized pitching depth to remain competitive.

With the regular season well underway, the decisions made in the coming days will likely influence the Red Sox’s pitching approaches for the remainder of the campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Buehler adjusts to potential bullpen duties and how the team reinvents its rotation to maximize its chances.

“Red Sox decision-makers are discussing the possibility of moving Buehler to the bullpen before his next scheduled start Monday in Baltimore, according to multiple sources, and there’s a possibility he’s available in relief as soon as this weekend’s series at Yankee Stadium,”

—Chris Cotillo, MassLive.com

“For now, the Red Sox plan to have Fitts — who has started all 17 games he has pitched this year across three levels — available in relief in the early part of the four-game set in New York. But it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Buehler walk out to the bullpen before the end of the weekend, either. Depending on how the next couple games go, the Red Sox could either start Fitts or call up someone like Kyle Harrison to pitch Monday, if needed.”