The Boston Red Sox just made a pitching move that might shake up their playoff chances. Manager Alex Cora told reporters on Friday, before their matchup with the Yankees, that veteran righty Walker Buehler will move from the starting rotation to the bullpen.
Boston’s fighting for a postseason spot, and rookie lefty Kyle Harrison looks like the next man up for a starting job. This switch comes as Buehler keeps struggling in 2024, and the team desperately needs steadier starting pitching for the final stretch.
Walker Buehler’s Season in Review
Buehler’s shift to the bullpen is a big change from his earlier reputation. He signed a one-year, $21 million deal with a mutual option for 2026, and Boston expected him to anchor their rotation.
But the numbers just haven’t matched the hype. In 22 starts this year, Buehler put up a 5.40 ERA (76 ERA+) and a 1.52 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That’s well below what you’d hope for from a guy with his track record.
He did have a stretch with a 3.77 ERA over eight games, but the underlying stats aren’t pretty. His strikeouts are down, and he’s still fighting with his command most nights.
Mechanical Changes That Fell Short
Buehler tried to fix things by tinkering with his delivery. He dropped his arm slot and messed with his pitch mix, hoping to keep hitters guessing.
Still, it hasn’t worked like it did back in his prime. From 2017 to 2022, he was a force—136 ERA+, a 4.26 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 13.5 WAR. He was in Cy Young talks when he was healthy. The difference now? It’s hard to ignore.
The Kyle Harrison Factor
Boston hasn’t officially named Buehler’s replacement, but it’s basically an open secret: Kyle Harrison is the guy. The 22-year-old lefty came over from San Francisco in the Rafael Devers trade and is lined up to pitch on normal rest.
He could make his Red Sox debut as early as Monday, which has fans buzzing.
What Harrison Brings to the Table
Harrison’s arrival could give the rotation a real jolt. He’s known for a high-spin fastball and a knack for missing bats—pretty rare for someone his age.
Sure, rookies have to adjust to the big leagues, but Boston seems ready to take that risk with the playoffs in sight. Cora loves pitchers who can get swings and misses, and Harrison fits that bill.
His first start might end up as one of the most-watched moments of the Red Sox season, honestly.
Impact on the Red Sox Playoff Push
Heading into Friday night, the Red Sox sat at 69-59. They’re just half a game behind the Yankees for the top AL Wild Card and five games out in the division.
In a race this tight, every little move in the rotation could make a difference. Buehler in the bullpen could help with high-pressure relief spots too. Maybe his experience and grit play better in short bursts.
Key Storylines to Watch
Here’s what folks will be watching as all this unfolds:
- Can Kyle Harrison bring his minor-league magic to the majors?
- Will Walker Buehler find something in a relief role—maybe some lost velocity or sharper command?
- And does this pitching shakeup give Boston enough of a boost to leapfrog the Yankees in the Wild Card chase?
Final Thoughts
The Red Sox just moved Walker Buehler to the bullpen. It’s not just a simple roster tweak—it feels like a calculated risk with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Maybe this opens the door for a rookie like Harrison to step into the rotation. Boston’s showing some real trust in its young players and isn’t afraid to shake things up when the veterans aren’t delivering.
Will this gamble actually work? Hard to say. In the heat of a playoff chase, every pitch suddenly feels huge.
Buehler might find new life in the bullpen. For Boston, this bold call could be the thing that keeps their October dreams alive—or sends them home early.
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