Phillies sign RHP Walker Buehler to minor league contract

The Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent pitcher Walker Buehler to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

The former All-Star right-hander was released by the Boston Red Sox on Friday, ending his disappointing season with the club.

Buehler signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox during the offseason, worth a guaranteed $21.05 million plus incentives. The team moved Buehler from the starting rotation to the bullpen a week ago.

After starting the season 4-1 and then spending nearly a month on the injured list (shoulder inflammation), Buehler has been less effective. He is now 7-7 on the season with a 5.45 ERA, 84 strikeouts, and a career-high 55 walks in 112 1/3 innings over 23 games (22 starts).

In Philadelphia, Buehler joins a division leader that had a hole open up in its rotation about two weeks ago.

Ace right-hander Zack Wheeler, an All-Star for the third time this year, was placed on the injured list after a blood clot was found near his pitching shoulder. He then underwent surgery to treat venous thoracic outlet syndrome, ending his season.

Buehler, 31, could help the Phillies in some capacity in their postseason run. The longtime Los Angeles Dodger (2017-22, 2024) is 54-29 with a career 3.56 ERA and 838 strikeouts. He exceeded 200 strikeouts in 2019 and 2021, his two All-Star campaigns for the Dodgers.

--Field Level Media