The Philadelphia Phillies signed veteran right-hander on Sunday to strengthen their rotation for a potential deep postseason push.
He is a two-time NL All-Star who won World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and 2024. He was cut by the Boston Red Sox on Friday after posting a 7–7 record with a 5.45 ERA across 23 appearances (22 starts).
The NL East-leading Phillies had an opening after ace Zack Wheeler was ruled out for the season, and possibly beyond, with thoracic outlet syndrome. Eligible for postseason play, Buehler was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he’ll start Saturday before joining Philadelphia’s rotation Sept. 12 against Kansas City as part of a six-man staff.
“We’re excited because we think he makes us better,” said Phillies president Dave Dombrowski. “We’ll do whatever we can to get into the postseason, and if we get there, to win.”
Buehler had signed a one-year, \$21.05 million contract with Boston last winter, but an early shoulder injury derailed his season. The Red Sox moved him to the bullpen after his Aug. 19 start, and he allowed two runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Yankees on Aug. 24 before being released to clear a spot for top prospect Payton Tolle.
One of Buehler’s strongest outings this season came against the Phillies on July 21, when he held them to one run over seven innings. That performance stuck with Philadelphia’s front office.
“He still has a good arm,” Dombrowski said. “We like a lot of his stuff.”
According to Dombrowski, the team’s leadership, including manager Rob Thomson, connected with Buehler and his agents over Zoom, with pitching coach Caleb Cotham playing a key role in the discussion.
“We think we see some things that can help him,” Dombrowski added. “And he’s willing to work with us.”
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