Phillies bolster rotation with Buehler for postseason ambitions
The Philadelphia Phillies have long been recognized for their formidable starting rotation, a pillar of their success this season. However, the recent loss of Zack Wheeler for the remainder of the year raised legitimate concerns about the depth and resilience of the pitching staff. Thankfully, the return of Aaron Nola has breathed new life into the rotation. Following his impressive six shutout innings against the New York Mets, combined with solid outings from Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo, the Phillies’ rotation continues to rank among the best in the league, even in Wheeler’s absence.
Strategic move for depth
In the midst of these challenges, the Phillies made a strategic decision to acquire Walker Buehler, who became available after being released. General manager Preston Mattingly shared insights into this acquisition, emphasizing the team’s proactive approach to managing their pitching resources.
“Obviously, he got released,” Mattingly explained. “I think just a lot of different conversations between our scouts, a lot of people in our group, and just feeling like, just to protect our starters – and know we were wanting to potentially go to six starters – to give our guys an extra rest.”
The Phillies signed Buehler to a minor-league deal at the end of August, a move that guarantees his availability for the postseason. Mattingly highlighted that Buehler’s presence would not only support the rotation but also help alleviate the workload of the current starters as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
Managing the workload
With Buehler and Taijuan Walker ready to absorb some innings in the closing weeks, the Phillies are taking a cautious approach to ensure their core starters remain well-rested as they gear up for October. This strategy could prove vital, considering the heavy reliance on the starting rotation throughout the season.
“We’ve leaned heavily on our starting rotation,” Mattingly noted. “No surprise, it’s a tremendous group we have there, and we wanted to make sure we took care of them down the stretch here.”
Both Buehler and Walker will play crucial roles in this plan. By providing additional innings, they will help reduce the burden on the regular starters. The hope is that one of them could also emerge as a reliable option out of the bullpen as the postseason approaches.
Reviving Buehler’s potential
Despite a challenging stint with the Boston Red Sox, where he posted a 5.45 ERA and a 7-7 record over 23 appearances, Buehler’s potential remains undeniable. His addition to the rotation could be a game-changer for the Phillies as they approach the end of September.
Mattingly expressed confidence in the Phillies’ coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Caleb Cotham, to aid Buehler in rediscovering his elite form. Buehler was a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers and a key player in their 2024 World Series victory, which adds a layer of excitement to his arrival in Philadelphia.
Low-risk, high-reward opportunity
Acquiring Buehler at minimal cost presents a low-risk opportunity for the Phillies with the potential for substantial rewards. As the team looks ahead to the postseason, his likely call-up later in September could provide essential support to the starting rotation while simultaneously preparing for a deep playoff run.
With the postseason on the horizon, the Phillies are positioning themselves not just to compete, but to make a significant impact in October. The addition of Walker Buehler could be a pivotal step in that journey, reinforcing their aspirations for championship glory.
