Red Sox Shift Walker Buehler to Bullpen Amid Struggles

The Boston Red Sox just made a big pitching move, shifting veteran right-hander **Walker Buehler** from the starting rotation to the bullpen. The change comes during a tough stretch, as the team scrambles to steady its pitching staff and claw back in the standings.

Buehler, a former two-time All-Star and Cy Young candidate, just hasn’t looked like himself in 2024. Manager Alex Cora decided to try him in a new role, hoping it’ll spark something.

Why the Red Sox Made the Move

Buehler came into the season with plenty of hype after signing a one-year, **$21.05 million deal** in December. But the results haven’t matched the price tag or the expectations.

In 22 starts, the 30-year-old has a **7–7 record with a 5.40 ERA** and has already given up 21 home runs—a career high. It gets worse: after a strong **4–1 start**, he’s gone **3–6** with a 6.37 ERA over his last 16 outings.

Injury and Command Issues Have Played a Role

Buehler’s year has been a mess of health and control issues. He missed time in May with shoulder bursitis and hasn’t really found his mechanics since coming back.

He’s handed out **54 free passes in 110 innings**, the most of his career. Bad command has put him in hitter-friendly counts, which usually doesn’t end well—hello, home runs.

Alex Cora’s Perspective on the Switch

Still, **Alex Cora** says he trusts Buehler and called him an “important piece” of the team’s plans. Cora hasn’t said exactly how he’ll use Buehler in the bullpen—maybe short bursts, maybe multi-inning relief to get through the middle innings.

Buehler’s Own Reaction to the Change

Buehler admitted the move stings, but he also thinks it could be the reset he needs. “This might be the thing that helps me get back to who I am,” he told reporters.

With a relief role, he could simplify his pitches, maybe throw a little harder, and hopefully find his confidence again.

Who Could Fill his Spot in the Rotation?

The Red Sox haven’t named Buehler’s replacement yet. They’ve got a couple of in-house options, though.

Rising prospect **Richard Fitts** has been solid in Triple-A, and **Kyle Harrison**, a recent trade pickup, is another name to watch. Both could use a shot in the majors before the season ends.

Looking Back at Buehler’s Career Numbers

This is new territory for Buehler—he’s barely pitched out of the bullpen, and not since 2018. Over his career, he’s got a **54–29 record over 153 appearances** and a reputation for showing up in big games.

His postseason track record is especially strong. If he can tap into that, he could be a real weapon out of the ‘pen.

What This Means for Boston’s Season

The Red Sox are teetering between contending and falling off, and they need their pitching to settle down. Moving Buehler to the bullpen is a gamble—short-term and long-term—but maybe it pays off.

If it clicks, Boston might suddenly have a late-inning arm with playoff experience. That’s exactly what you want in the crunch.

Key Takeaways

The Red Sox moving Buehler from the rotation to the bullpen really shows how much they want to get every bit of value from their roster. It feels like a pretty urgent move, honestly.

• Buehler has struggled in 2024 with a career-worst ERA and walk rate.
• His season got derailed by shoulder bursitis and other health issues.
• The Red Sox haven’t nailed down a specific bullpen job for him yet.
• Richard Fitts and Kyle Harrison could step into the rotation instead.
• Buehler’s big-game experience might help settle the bullpen.

With the season winding down, Buehler’s transition could become a huge storyline for the **Boston Red Sox**. Maybe it even decides how far they go in the playoff chase. Who knows?

 
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