When the Boston Red Sox inked Walker Buehler to a deal in the offseason for one year, $21.05 million, the expectation was for him to come in and throw the baseball at a high level.
Buehler has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career, only throwing in 16 games last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, in the postseason, he played a significant role in the Dodgers winning it all, throwing in four games and posting a 3.60 ERA, including the final out in the 2024 World Series.
In Boston, it has been completely different, posting a 5.01 ERA and striking out just 51 hitters in 55.2 innings.
For a former starter who was one of the best in Major League Baseball, Buehler has a lot to work on, and he seems to understand that.
As a team, the Red Sox also have plenty they need to improve on, but Buehler sent a message to the fans, stating that he believes they’re in a decent spot right now, and there’s plenty of time for them to go on a winning streak.
I think it’s huge,” Buehler told reporters, per NESN. “Where we’re at and where we’re at in the year, there’s plenty of time for us to make a run. And it starts with winning series against teams in our division. To do that back-to-back, I think is huge.”
7.5 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East, the Red Sox don’t have to panic just yet.
It’s only June 15, but the longer they wait, the tougher it’ll become.
However, they got the job done on Friday and Saturday night and have played well against the Yankees over the past week. If this type of stretch can continue, they should be in the mix come the end of the regular season.
“When I’ve pitched well my whole career, that’s how it’s been,” Buehler said. “The big punchout games are deep into games … When I’m good, that’s what I think I’m supposed to do.”
