LIGHTS-OUT DEBUT: Walker Buehler Looks Dominant in First Red Sox Start!

Walker Buehler struck out four while allowing only one hit in his first spring training start for the Boston Red Sox.
Walker Buehler struck out four while allowing only one hit in his first spring training start for the Boston Red Sox. / Via Pitching Ninja on X

Walker Buehler made his spring training debut on Sunday and while he may be in a new uniform, his stuff looks familiar.

The 30-year-old right-hander signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Boston Red Sox this offseason, leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending the first eight years of his career there. He saw his first action with Boston on Sunday and looked right at home.

Buehler threw the first two innings against the New York Mets and looked dominant. In the first inning, he allowed a double to Jeff McNeil to open things up, then got a groundout from Francisco Alvarez before striking out Jesse Winker on three pitches. Buehler hit Jose Siri on his first offering, then struck Alexander Canario out on three pitches.

He was even better in the second inning. He struck out Brett Batty looking, got Jared Young to ground out to first, then struck out Jose Azocar. Buehler pitched two innings, allowed one hit and struck out four

That’s an encouraging outing for the Red Sox. After returning from Tommy John surgery, Buehler struggled during the regular season last year. In 16 starts he went 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, striking out 64 but walking 28 in 75 1/3 innings pitched. He looked much better in the postseason, as he went 1-1 in four appearances with a 3.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 13 strikeouts against five walks in 15 innings. He got the save in Game 5 of the World Series, pitching the final inning as the Dodgers closed out the New York Yankees to win the title.

While it’s only a one-year deal, the Red Sox made a steep financial investment in Buehler to add to a rebuilt rotation that now includes Garrett Crochet. They need him to turn things around this season. His first start was a positive step in that direction.

Related Posts

2018 Red Sox World Champion’s injury nightmare continues with White Sox

Chicago White Sox v Detroit Tigers | Duane Burleson/GettyImages It’s been seven MLB seasons since Boston Red Sox fans last saw the World Series winning trio of…

Boston’s Curious Move Could Signal Concern Over Length of Starter’s Absence

Getty MLB veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal The Boston Red Sox have an immediate need for a starting catcher.  Interestingly, the team just signed a catcher who may not make…

Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet Describes Change In Focus After 209-Strikeout Season

Perhaps we shouldn’t expect to see the gaudy strikeout totals Crochet had last season Apr 8, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet…

Red Sox Trade Scenario Brings in Top Catching Prospect for Struggling Slugger

Despite getting off to a .500 start, at 7-7 after salvaging the final contest in a four-game home series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, the Boston Red…

Dodgers-Rays Trade Pitch Sends MLB All-Star to Los Angeles to Fill Key Need

Despite a fairly impressive start to the 2025 season, where most teams would be ecstatic with a 10-4 start, the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the select MLB teams…

Dodgers’ $5.4 Million All-Star Still A Few Weeks Away From Returning, Says Manager

Feb 15, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin (26) throws during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *