Phillies Embrace Walker Buehler as Bullpen Asset for October World Series Quest
In a season marked by strategic roster adjustments, the Philadelphia Phillies have made several notable additions. From Harrison Bader and Jhoan Duran acquired at the trade deadline to the free-agent signings of David Robertson and Walker Buehler, the team has evolved since the start of the year. Among these acquisitions, Buehler’s role this October remains somewhat ambiguous.
After a challenging season with the Boston Red Sox, where he was released late in August, Buehler found a new home with the Phillies just two days later. Since then, he has made a commendable debut, delivering a solid five-inning performance against the Kansas City Royals, allowing just one run while striking out three. Yet, as the postseason looms, the crucial question arises: what role will Buehler play for Philadelphia in October?
Phillies Define Buehler’s Postseason Role
As reported by Matt Gelb, the Phillies have made a definitive decision regarding Buehler’s position on the roster for the playoffs. Despite his impressive resume as a former All-Star starting pitcher, the team has no plans to utilize him in that capacity during the postseason. Instead, they are looking to him as a valuable asset out of the bullpen.
Should the Phillies advance to the NL Championship Series, the fourth starter role is likely to fall to Aaron Nola, leaving Buehler to navigate the unfamiliar waters of relief pitching. This strategic shift is mirrored in their plans for Taijuan Walker, who will start a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with Buehler stepping in for extended relief appearances.
Historically, Buehler has primarily been a starter throughout his big league career, with only 11 of his 155 regular-season games and 19 postseason appearances not coming from that role. However, he does have experience in relief, having notably closed out the 2024 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the New York Yankees.
Buehler’s Transition to Relief Pitching
The Phillies are actively experimenting with Buehler in his new role, indicating their commitment to making this transition successful. Despite his tumultuous season, which saw him finish with a 5.45 ERA in 22 starts and 112.1 innings pitched, the team remains hopeful that he can settle in as a reliable long reliever as they push for a World Series title.
Buehler’s postseason track record is impressive, boasting a 3.04 ERA across 19 playoff appearances. This experience could prove invaluable as the Phillies aim to enhance their bullpen depth. Gelb’s report underscores the clarity of Buehler’s situation: he is not slated to start, affirming the Phillies’ confidence in their existing rotation.
Looking Ahead to October
As the Phillies gear up for October, they are integrating Buehler into their bullpen plans, recognizing that his success in this new role could be pivotal to their championship aspirations. With a solid first outing in Philadelphia and a wealth of postseason experience, the team is banking on Buehler to rise to the occasion as they embark on their playoff journey.
This shift in Buehler’s role exemplifies the Phillies’ strategic adjustments, showcasing their intention to optimize their roster for a deep postseason run. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on how effectively Buehler can adapt and contribute to the Phillies’ quest for glory.
