Red Sox release Walker Buehler as roster moves pave the way for Payton Tolle
Walker Buehler’s time with the Boston Red Sox has ended, with the club announcing his release ahead of Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In Boston, the veteran right-hander logged 112 1/3 innings with a 5.45 ERA, including a demotion to the bullpen and just one relief appearance before his release.
Buehler now hits free agency with a 2026 mutual option that is not expected to be exercised. He has until Monday to sign with a new team in order to be eligible for the postseason. While it remains unclear which club will pursue him, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been cited as a plausible landing spot given their familiarity with him and his prior success with the organization.
The Red Sox needed to clear a roster spot to activate Payton Tolle, and by releasing Buehler they opened space on both the active roster and the 40-man. Tolle will wear number 70.
Boston also recalled Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester and optioned Jhostynxon Garcia back to the minors. Garcia appeared in five games for Boston, going 1-7 with two walks and five strikeouts.
Boston starts a three-game series with the Pirates on Friday.
Analysis and context:
– Buehler’s departure represents a notable shift for a Boston pitching staff still seeking stability. With a mid-rotation profile this season, his future roles with potential contenders could include multi-inning relief or a spot start, depending on health and performance.
– The Dodgers’ potential interest isn’t surprising given their familiarity with Buehler and how a veteran with big-game experience could fit into a pitching staff chasing a postseason berth.
– For the Red Sox, the move clears room for Tolle and signals a broader assessment of their bullpen and rotation depth as they push toward late-season goals.
Summary: Buehler’s Boston chapter ends after a challenging season, opening the door for a veteran return to the majors with a chance to contribute to a postseason run elsewhere. If he lands with a competitor, it could provide a valuable veteran option with upside, provided he can regain form.