Red Sox Demote Walker Buehler to Bullpen Amidst Season-Long Struggles

The Boston Red Sox have moved pitcher Walker Buehler to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, manager Alex Cora announced, citing his ongoing struggles. Buehler, 31, who signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract, posted a 5.40 ERA over 22 starts, averaging career-low strikeouts and career-high walks per nine innings. He expressed understanding of the move, which he views as an "opportunity to reset" after missing 2023 due to his second Tommy John surgery and struggling to regain his past All-Star form. Buehler will now focus on embracing his new relief role to help the team, while planning his offseason around returning to a starting pitcher identity.