Craig Breslow Finally Breaks Silence on Drastic Walker Buehler Call as Red Sox Star’s MLB Career Hangs in Balance

The Red Sox clubhouse felt a jolt of unease the moment word spread that Walker Buehler was out. This wasn’t just another roster shuffle; it was the unraveling of a gamble Boston made with bold intentions. Only months earlier, the front office had put $21 million on the table for the two-time All-Star, betting that his track record could finally steady a rotation that’s been begging for a true ace. But baseball doesn’t always honor big investments. Buehler’s time in Boston quickly became a roller coaster of injuries, inconsistency, and constant role changes. What was supposed to be a revival turned into one of the shortest and priciest experiments the franchise has made in recent memory.

By late August, the writing was on the wall. Buehler had been shifted to the bullpen in hopes of salvaging his season, posting a 7–7 record with a 5.45 ERA across 22 starts. But the adjustment never clicked. When prospect Payton Tolle’s call-up forced the team’s hand, Boston made the stunning decision to release the veteran. Fans were left demanding answers, and for days, Breslow stayed quiet. On Friday night, he finally spoke.

“Yeah, a really, really tough decision,” Breslow admitted. “He’s been a really good starting pitcher in this league for a long time. Struggled to stay on the field with injuries, but we felt like he could give those to our rotation. When it became clear that there was going to be a better opportunity for him to contribute from the pen, we made that move… With his injuries, with Fitts, and losing that length piece in the pen, he could start over tonight. We just felt like this was what was best for the team at this point.”

That honesty underscored the brutal reality facing both Buehler and the Red Sox. What began as a high-upside signing unraveled into a balancing act between patience and necessity. Boston’s bullpen had been battered by injuries, including Richard Fitts. Breslow made it clear that roster survival, not sentiment, dictated the decision. In other words, the Sox couldn’t afford to wait for Buehler to rediscover his form when their postseason hopes hung in the balance.

For Buehler, the release is more than a transaction; it’s a crossroads. Once the Dodgers’ October ace, his inability to stay healthy or consistent in Boston has raised questions about whether his career can regain its old shine. For Boston, it’s a message to the rest of the clubhouse: reputation won’t outweigh production.

Breslow’s explanation didn’t soften the blow, but clarified the urgency behind the move. In a season defined by razor-thin margins, the Red Sox chose reason over sentiment. And now, as Boston looks forward, Buehler faces the toughest battle of all, proving his career isn’t already slipping away.

How the Yankees could use him after the Red Sox exit

When Walker Buehler hit the market, Gary Sheffield Jr. wasted no time voicing his opinion. On X, the son of the former Yankees slugger urged the Bronx Bombers to scoop up the ex-Red Sox right-hander, pitching him as a multi-inning relief option. His reasoning was blunt: “Protect your one-inning guys the remaining 28 games this season.” Coming from someone who has never been shy about calling out the Yankees, Sheffield Jr.’s endorsement added fuel to the chatter around Buehler’s next destination.

On paper, New York’s bullpen already looks stronger after the arrival of David Bednar and Fernando Cruz’s return. But Yankees fans know how delicate the late-game stability can be. Once the calendar flips to October, injuries pile up, roles get stretched, and suddenly a postseason run can fall on a single reliable arm. That’s where Buehler fits in. He may have struggled in Boston, but the 2024 World Series showed he can still rise to the moment, tossing five scoreless innings against these very Yankees on the biggest stage.

Adding Buehler before the September 1 deadline wouldn’t just give New York insurance; it would give them flexibility. Aaron Boone could easily picture the value: Buehler soaking up multiple innings, easing the pressure on David Bednar and Clay Holmes, and keeping the rest of the bullpen fresh when every pitch in October feels like it carries the season. For a team that has built its year around a championship-or-bust mentality, taking a chance on Buehler isn’t just a roster move; it’s a calculated risk with real upside. And let’s be honest, October has a way of rewarding the clubs bold enough to make that one extra gamble.