Can Walker Buehler Reinvent Himself as a Dominant Reliever?

Friday night’s matchup brought a bit of a curveball from manager Rob Thomson. He sent <a href="https://www.baseballbiographies.com/red-sox-move-walker-buehler-to-bullpen-for-stretch-run/”>Walker Buehler out of the bullpen, not his usual gig, as part of a postseason trial run.

Buehler entered in the fifth inning. Thomson wanted to see if he could handle something outside his regular starting role—maybe with October in mind.

With a few bullpen spots already locked up, there’s at least one more up for grabs. Buehler’s appearance felt like an audition for that last seat.

Why Walker Buehler Was Used in Relief

This wasn’t just a random experiment. Thomson’s piggyback plan put Buehler in a spot that mimicked what he might face in the playoffs.

Quick pitcher changes are the name of the game in October. The team’s bullpen is solid, but they’re still searching for another right-handed option to round things out.

The Established Bullpen Arms

These guys are already pretty much postseason locks:

• Orion Kerkering – Young, throws hard, gets swings and misses.
• David Robertson – Veteran, knows the playoff pressure.
• Jhoan Duran – Brings heat, doesn’t rattle late in games.

With those three in place, Buehler’s got to really stand out to earn his spot.

Evaluating Buehler’s Relief Performance

Buehler looked good Friday. His fastball had life, his command was solid, and he didn’t seem fazed by coming in mid-game.

He hasn’t done much relief work in his career, but this was a promising look for someone used to starting.

Historical Relief Struggles

Buehler’s past outings on short rest or in relief haven’t exactly wowed anyone. The sample size is tiny, so it’s tough to draw big conclusions.

Still, it does show he’s got an adjustment ahead if he wants to thrive in a playoff bullpen. The rhythm and pressure are a whole different beast compared to starting.

Postseason Role and Possibilities

Even if Buehler nails these late-season tests, he probably won’t bump Aaron Nola or anyone else from their starting jobs. That rotation’s pretty much set.

If Buehler’s going to pitch in October, it’ll likely be as a multi-inning reliever.

Why Multi-Inning Relief Could Be His Edge

Buehler’s best shot is his ability to chew up multiple innings out of the ‘pen. If a starter gets knocked out early, he could bridge the gap and save the other relievers.

That kind of flexibility matters in the playoffs. His stamina as a starter could turn into a real weapon in relief.

The Central Question: Adaptability

Really, it all comes down to this—can Walker Buehler make the leap from starter to postseason reliever? There’s a world of difference between pacing for six innings and letting it rip for just one or two.

What’s Next for Buehler

Over the coming weeks, Buehler will probably get more chances in relief. He might even face tougher lineups and step into higher-leverage spots.

The coaches have to decide if his stuff, his mindset, and his recovery habits really match up with what October demands. It’s not just about the arm—it’s the whole package.

Friday’s outing felt like a good start. If Buehler keeps this up, he could shift from postseason wild card to a serious weapon.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Do you think Walker Buehler can be a good reliever?