Phillies Make a Bold Move to Revive Buehler's Career

In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia Phillies have officially signed former All-Star pitcher Walker Buehler to a minor league contract. This signing comes on the heels of Buehler's recent release from the Boston Red Sox, where he had a tumultuous season.

Contract Details and Playoff Eligibility

The Phillies' announcement revealed that Buehler will report to Triple-A, signaling a fresh start as he seeks to regain his former glory. There’s a silver lining for Philly fans, as Buehler is also eligible for the postseason roster, given his signing before the September 1 deadline. However, his deal will only become official contingent on passing a physical.

A Rollercoaster Ride in Boston

Buehler’s stint in Boston was anything but smooth. After signing a lucrative one-year contract worth over $21 million, he ended up struggling significantly, posting a concerning 5.45 ERA with a mere 16.5% strikeout rate across 112 innings. Complicating matters further, Buehler allowed 22 home runs this season alone.

The Comeback Trail After Tommy John Surgery

This season was particularly challenging for Buehler, who was trying to bounce back after undergoing Tommy John surgery—his second such procedure. Despite his current struggles, he did display glimpses of his previous dominance during the Dodgers’ playoff run in 2024, where he pitched 10 shutout innings in crucial moments.

Phillies' Pitching Plans Amidst Challenges

With their ace Zack Wheeler sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Phillies are now looking to Buehler as a potential asset in their bullpen during the playoffs. Although the team has a solid rotation lineup with Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Taijuan Walker, Buehler might also be called upon for some starts in September to alleviate the workload on other pitchers.

A September Experiment for the Playoffs

The Phillies currently hold a comfortable 6.5-game lead over the Mets in the NL East, allowing them some leeway to experiment with their roster in September. If Buehler's performance doesn’t improve, the team has little to lose by not including him on the postseason roster, thanks to his minimal salary.

Looking Ahead: Buehler’s Future in MLB

As for Buehler's long-term prospects, it's crucial to remember he’s only 31 years old and still has ambitions to return as a starting pitcher. Depending on his performance in Philly, he could sign a more modest one-year deal next season with a team looking for rotation assistance. Yet, if he thrives as a reliever, it could dramatically shift the dynamics of his career and free-agent status.