Red Sox Discussing Massive Move to Send All-Star Starter to Bullpen: Report

The Boston Red Sox, who kicked off a critical four-game series with their archrival New York Yankees with postseason implications Thursday, are discussing moving a two-time All-Star starter to their bullpen.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Walker Buehler is not guaranteed to make his next scheduled start Monday in Baltimore.

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It would be Buehler’s second start against the Orioles in less than a week, a tough task for any pitcher. Wednesday in Boston, he allowed four hits, four walks, and two runs in four innings against the Orioles. Baltimore held on to win 4-3 in 11 innings.

The loss moved the Red Sox (68-59) 1.5 games behind the Yankees (69-57) with the two teams set to clash Thursday in New York.

Although Baseball Reference pegged Boston’s odds of making the postseason at 88 percent Thursday morning, that could easily change by Monday. And manager Alex Cora might be wise to reconsider the best role for Buehler, who’s 7-7 with a 5.40 ERA in his first season since signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox last winter — at least temporarily.

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Buehler, an All-Star in 2019 and 2021 with the Dodgers, was on the mound when Los Angeles defeated the Yankees in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series to clinch the championship.

More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.