Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star and World Series champion Walker Buehler has been released by the Boston Red Sox, the team announced.

Buehler is now free to join any team in a shocking turn of events. If Buehler joins a team before Sept. 1, he will be eligible to play in the postseason.

Why Did Red Sox Release Walker Buehler?

Buehler joined the Red Sox on a one-year, $21.05 million deal this offseason after his heroic performance last October to help lead the Dodgers to their second World Series title in five years.

However, last year’s regular season struggles continued this season, as Buehler had a 5.45 ERA across 112.1 innings with the Red Sox.

Buehler was moved to the bullpen last week and made just one relief appearance, allowing two runs in 2.1 innings. Now, he’s hitting the open market just days before the final month of the regular season begins.

Could the Dodgers Bring Back Walker Buehler?

Buehler is now free to join any team for the prorated league minimum for the rest of the season.

Thus, the Dodgers could technically bring him back.

As long as Buehler joins a team before Sept. 1 — even on a minor league deal — he’s eligible to play in the postseason.

Would the Dodgers Bring Back Walker Buehler?

While the Dodgers could bring Buehler back, the bigger question is if they would.

The Dodgers’ starting rotation is as healthy as it’s been in years, meaning there wouldn’t be a spot for the former All-Star there.

Buehler theoretically could factor into the team’s bullpen, but LA is also getting healthier there too, and it’s hard to imagine Buehler getting any innings over the current options.

While Buehler is known to turn things on in October, it would be quite a risk for the Dodgers to take that chance when they don’t need to.

Buehler returning to LA would be an incredible story, but it’s difficult to imagine LA giving him innings in the midst of a postseason race barring any significant injuries.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images