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Phillies Reportedly Agree to a Deal With Walker Buehler (UPDATED)
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
The Phillies are signing Walker Buehler after he was released by the Red Sox earlier in the week, per multiple reports:
Buehler, 31, had struggled in Boston before his release, sporting a 5.45 ERA in 112.1 innings in 22 starts (23 appearances). The Phillies are taking a chance on tapping into Buehler’s past success, specifically in the postseason.
Buehler posted a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings for the Dodgers in their run to the World Series in 2024. He started three games, and closed out the final game of the series at Yankee Stadium.
The Phillies have 15 games in a row starting on Wednesday. I’d assume Buehler will get a start or two throughout that mix, then be moved to a swingman/bullpen role towards the end of September into October.
There’s no harm to this move, no matter how bad of a season Buehler has had. He’s posted a 3.57 ERA in August, and a 4.37 ERA in August, so maybe on track to start finding it again on the mound. The Phillies are hoping he can give them veteran experience out of the bullpen in the postseason.
Somebody will have to be removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Buehler. The Phillies announced the signing of Tim Mayza a few minutes ago, transferring Zack Wheeler to the 60-day IL to make room for Mayza on the 40-man.
Update at 6:42 PM EST: Walker Buehler has officially signed with the Phillies on a minor-league deal and been assigned to AAA
Luke Arcaini writes about the Phillies for Crossing Broad, covers the Phillies for FOX Sports The Gambler, and co-hosts "Phillies Digest" on YouTube. The wave is the worst thing in all of sports. Contact: lukearcaini8@gmail.com