Walker Buehler’s about to kick off a new chapter, making his Phillies debut Friday against the Kansas City Royals. After a rough patch with the Red Sox and a quick tune-up in Triple-A, the two-time World Series champ is hoping to steady a Phillies rotation that’s been rocked by injury.
Alongside his arrival, Buehler’s stirred up some debate in baseball circles. He’s been pretty blunt in his criticism of the automated ball-strike (ABS) system being tested in the minors, saying he wants the human element of umpiring back.
From Boston Struggles to a Fresh Start in Philadelphia
Buehler’s 2024 started with the Red Sox, but things didn’t exactly go to plan. The right-hander just couldn’t lock in, wrapping up his Boston stint with a 7–7 record and a 5.45 ERA.
He lost his spot in the rotation, and by August, Boston released him to make room for prospect Payton Tolle. Instead of calling it quits, Buehler saw a new door open.
The Phillies, dealing with the loss of ace Zack Wheeler to thoracic outlet syndrome, picked him up. They needed a proven postseason arm to help anchor a six-man rotation.
Buehler’s postseason eligibility played a big part in Philly’s decision. The team’s itching for its first championship since 2008.
Triple-A Tune-Up Shows Promise
Before joining the Phillies, Buehler pitched a quick game for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In that outing, he gave up just two runs in three innings and struck out five.
He showed flashes of the stuff that made him such a force in October. The Phillies are hoping better health and a defined role will help him get back to form when it matters most.
Buehler’s Strong Words on the Automated Ball-Strike System
Buehler’s not shy about his thoughts on baseball’s tech experiments. The ABS system, which uses tracking tech to call balls and strikes, has split opinion in the minors.
For Buehler, it’s a hard no. He’s said as much, and he’s not holding back.
“Inaccurate and Poorly Implemented”
Buehler’s called the ABS system inaccurate and says it’s applied differently from park to park. He thinks this undercuts the whole idea of making the strike zone more precise and fair.
He’s especially vocal about keeping the human element in baseball. Umpire discretion, especially with veteran pitchers, is part of the game’s tradition and strategy, he argues.
Buehler doesn’t buy that a machine can match an umpire’s situational awareness or strike-zone management. That’s just not something you can automate.
Penalties Too Lenient
Buehler’s also got issues with the penalty system for challenging obvious strikes under ABS. He thinks the penalties are too soft and let batters play games without much risk.
Chasing Another World Series Ring
Even with all his opinions, Buehler’s main goal in Philly is to perform. He’s already got World Series rings with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024, so he knows what October pressure feels like.
Now he’s got to turn that experience into real results for a Phillies team that hasn’t tasted a title in over 15 years. No pressure, right?
A Boost in Confidence
Buehler says the Phillies’ personal approach during his signing process really lifted his spirits. He needed that after a rough season.
That direct connection, plus the shot at a playoff run, has fired up his motivation. He wants to show everyone he can still dominate at the highest level.
- Debut set for Friday against the Kansas City Royals
- He signed to fill the gap left by injured Zack Wheeler
- Two-time World Series champ hoping for redemption after tough times in Boston
- Buehler’s not a fan of ABS technology—he trusts experienced umpires more
- He’s eligible for the postseason in the Phillies’ six-man rotation
Friday’s coming up fast, and everyone’s watching to see how Walker Buehler handles his Phillies debut. Can he mix veteran know-how with a comeback in form?
Honestly, his signing might end up being one of the boldest late-season moves in baseball this year. Not just for what he does on the mound, but for what it might mean in the ongoing back-and-forth about baseball’s tech future.
Here is the source article for this story: Buehler, sick of robot umps, eager for Phils debut
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s