The Philadelphia Phillies just dropped a bombshell ahead of the stretch run, and it could end up being one of the biggest gambles of the season. The club inked two-time All-Star right-hander.
Top star, 31, isn’t wasting any time. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the former Dodgers ace is scheduled to make his Phillies debut on September 12 against the Kansas City Royals, following a quick tune-up start at Triple-A. From that point forward, Philadelphia will roll with a six-man rotation, giving their arms some much-needed breathing room as the postseason inches closer.
And the timing couldn’t be more critical. With Zack Wheeler shelved for the year after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery, the Phillies have been desperately searching for reinforcements. Buehler now joins a staff that already features Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suárez. On paper, it’s a rotation with plenty of firepower—but Buehler is the ultimate wild card.
This move is fascinating for more than one reason. Back in December, Boston believed enough in Buehler’s pedigree to hand him a one-year, $21.05 million deal. But things unraveled quickly in Fenway. Over 23 starts, he managed a 7-7 record with a troubling 5.45 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and just 84 strikeouts against 55 walks in 112 1/3 innings. By advanced metrics, it was the worst season of his career: a -0.7 fWAR and 4.94 xFIP painted the picture of a pitcher in decline.
But Philadelphia clearly sees something Boston didn’t—or maybe something they couldn’t fix. The Phillies are banking on a change of scenery, a new clubhouse, and perhaps a lighter spotlight to help Buehler rediscover the electric stuff that once made him one of the most feared postseason arms in baseball.
For fans, the intrigue is undeniable. Will Buehler be the redemption story that fills the Wheeler-sized hole in the rotation? Or will he become just another expensive experiment that fizzles out down the stretch?
One thing is for certain: all eyes will be on September 12. The Phillies aren’t just handing Buehler another chance—they’re betting part of their October hopes on it.