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Walker Buehler to Debut for Phillies on Friday as Club Moves to Six-Man Rotation

Signed before Sept. 1 to preserve October eligibility, the veteran right-hander gets a chance to earn a postseason role.

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Jun 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler (0) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Apr 15, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. All players wore number 42 for Jackie Robinson Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Philadelphia signed Buehler to a late-August minor-league deal that preserved his playoff eligibility and gave him a Triple-A tune-up in which he struck out five over three innings.
  • General manager Preston Mattingly said the addition was to protect the rotation as the team shifts to six starters following Zack Wheeler’s season-ending thoracic outlet syndrome.
  • A group recruitment call featuring Dave Dombrowski, Rob Thomson and pitching coach Caleb Cotham was a key factor in Buehler choosing the Phillies.
  • Top prospect Andrew Painter will remain in Triple-A, with the club opting for Buehler as the sixth starter and keeping Painter available only as potential postseason depth.
  • Buehler struggled with Boston this season (7-7, 5.45 ERA) but owns a strong playoff track record, including recording the final out of the 2024 World Series, and could also be considered for a right-handed bulk role in October.