PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies added veteran right-hander Walker Buehler on Sunday, aiming to strengthen their rotation for a potential deep playoff push.
Buehler, 31, is a two-time NL All-Star and a key piece of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship runs in 2020 and 2024. He was released Friday by the Boston Red Sox after posting a 7–7 record with a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts).
The NL East–leading Phillies are seeking reinforcements after losing ace Zack Wheeler for the season to thoracic outlet syndrome. Eligible for the postseason, Buehler was assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will start there Saturday before making his Phillies debut on Sept. 12 against Kansas City as part of a six-man rotation.
“We’re excited to have him because we think he makes us better,” Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said. “We’re doing everything we can to reach the postseason, and once there, to win.”
Buehler joined Boston last offseason on a one-year, $21.05 million deal but was sidelined early with a shoulder injury and never rediscovered his form. After losing his rotation spot in August, he made one bullpen outing on Aug. 24 against the Yankees before being cut to clear a roster spot for prospect Payton Tolle.
Despite his struggles, the Phillies were impressed by Buehler’s July 21 start in Philadelphia, when he held them to one run across seven innings.
“He still has a good arm,” Dombrowski noted. “We like a lot of his stuff and think we can help him.”
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Dombrowski added that manager Rob Thomson and pitching coach Caleb Cotham had a productive Zoom call with Buehler and his camp, establishing a strong working connection.
“We think we see some things that can hopefully help him,” Dombrowski said. “And he’s eager to work with us.”
