Phillies Place Trust in Walker Buehler to Spark Playoff Aspirations
The Philadelphia Phillies are banking on Walker Buehler to bolster their postseason ambitions as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Once a promising arm for the Boston Red Sox, Buehler’s tenure in Boston has been marred by struggles. In his first year with the club, he made 23 appearances, compiling a 7-7 record with a 5.45 ERA, and ultimately found himself on the outside looking in after being released.
Buehler’s journey took a turn when the Phillies seized the opportunity to bring him on board. With Zach Wheeler sidelined for the remainder of the season due to surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, the Phillies are in dire need of pitching reinforcements. Wheeler underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from his upper right extremity, leaving a significant gap in the rotation.
Cora’s Confidence in Buehler’s Potential
Red Sox manager Alex Cora believes that Buehler is poised to make an impact in Philadelphia. In a recent discussion on WEEI Afternoons, Cora expressed optimism about Buehler’s future. “I’m glad he landed with the Phillies,” Cora remarked. “He’s gonna be OK. … He’s a pro. He’s a guy that I really respect, very smart kid. I believe he’s gonna help the Phillies win a lot of games over there.”
Cora’s endorsement speaks volumes about Buehler’s potential. Known for his intelligence and professionalism, Buehler is expected to bring a competitive edge to the Phillies’ rotation.
Buehler’s Quick Transition to Philadelphia
With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Buehler faces the challenge of acclimating to his new team swiftly. Reports indicate that he will make a single start at Triple-A before officially joining the Phillies’ rotation. The anticipation builds as he is set to make his debut on September 12 against the Kansas City Royals.
That matchup will certainly put Buehler to the test, as he will face a formidable lineup featuring players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino, both of whom have been swinging hot bats lately. The stakes are high, and the Phillies are hopeful that Buehler can rediscover his form and help reignite their playoff hopes.