{"id":50356,"date":"2025-04-06T09:43:50","date_gmt":"2025-04-06T09:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=50356"},"modified":"2025-04-06T09:43:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-06T09:43:50","slug":"breaking-walker-buehler-struggles-in-first-two-starts-with-red-sox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=50356","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING: Walker Buehler Struggles in First Two Starts with Red Sox"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Walker<\/p>\n

After the way Walker Buehler finished the 2024 World Series, it\u2019s no wonder the Boston Red Sox wanted him on their team. But his slow start in 2025 and lack of regular-season consistency the past few years could be cause for concern.<\/p>\n

Walker Buehler Struggling Early in Red Sox Tenure<\/h2>\n

Buehler\u2019s Playoff Audition<\/h3>\n

Working in relief, the two-time All-Star completed the Los Angeles Dodgers\u2019 improbable Game 5 comeback against the New York Yankees. And that impressive performance came one day after he shut down the potent lineup over five scoreless innings.<\/p>\n

Now a confirmed Yankee killer, Boston signed Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract in December. It\u2019s a somewhat expensive rental, particularly for an injury-prone pitcher. But the short-term deal is also low-risk and high on incentive for Buehler to earn a multi-year contract.<\/p>\n

Still, the 30-year-old pitcher hasn\u2019t been great since the first half of 2022. Following his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler didn\u2019t pitch in 2023. And in the back half of 2024, he posted a paltry 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts.<\/p>\n

Regular Season Woes Continue<\/h3>\n

In spring training, Buehler pitched well. Over three starts, he went 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 11 strikeouts. But he\u2019s struggled mightily thus far in the regular season.<\/p>\n

Through his first two starts, Buehler has logged 9 1\/3 innings and posted a horrendous 8.68 ERA, 1.607 WHIP, and 7:1 K:BB ratio. Thanks to a sizzling Red Sox lineup that staked him to a 5-0 lead, he did just enough to earn his first victory on Friday. But that advantage was cut to one run by the time he exited after five innings.<\/p>\n

The rough start is unusual for Buehler, at least when he\u2019s started a season healthy. In 2022, he jumped out to a dominant 6-1 record with a solid 2.91 ERA before elbow soreness cut his year short. And in his career-best 2021, he went 11-1 through July and finished 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA.<\/p>\n

Motivated To Improve<\/h3>\n
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Walker Buehler speaks following his start \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f <\/p>\n

"Frustrating, kind of, to say the least… I'm not gonna keep hanging my hat on the fact that I've showed up in October, I want to show up in April, May, June, July, and August."#RedSox<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FC5g8RkFGI<\/a><\/p>\n

— NESN (@NESN) April 4, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n