Red Sox release Buehler, promote top pitching prospect Tolle

The Boston Red Sox released struggling right-hander Walker Buehler on Friday.

Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21.05-million contract last offseason, lost his spot in the Red Sox rotation after posting a 5.40 ERA, 5.83 FIP, and 4.4 BB/9 over 110 innings (22 starts).

The former two-time All-Star allowed two earned runs on two hits (one homer) over 2 1/3 innings in his only relief appearance Sunday in a loss to the New York Yankees. The game marked the first time he pitched out of the bullpen since his 2018 rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 31-year-old recorded the final out of the 2024 season to win his second World Series with the Dodgers before joining the Red Sox.

Buehler hasn't reached his previous form since returning from Tommy John surgery in May 2024. He authored a 5.38 ERA over 75 1/3 innings (16 starts) with Los Angeles during the 2024 regular season after recording a 2.95 ERA across a combined 629 innings (106 starts) from 2018-22.

Boston selected top pitching prospect Payton Tolle to make his MLB debut Friday against Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. The team also optioned outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and recalled infielder Nick Sogard.

Tolle, 22, is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Red Sox system and No. 28 overall, according to MLB Pipeline. The left-hander owns a 3.44 ERA with 133 strikeouts in 91 2/3 innings (18 starts) between three minor-league levels in 2025.