Walker Buehler Returns to Bronx Spotlight in Red Sox–Yankees Rivalry Debut

Walker Buehler is stepping into the rivalry — and back into Yankee Stadium.

The right-hander will make his first regular-season start at Yankee Stadium on Friday, opening the Boston Red Sox–New York Yankees series in what he called a “historic and long-lasting” rivalry that tops even the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in his view.

Buehler has pitched in high-leverage spots in the Bronx before. The last time he pitched against the Yankees, he closed out Game 5 of the World Series on one day of rest in what became the final blow to New York’s season. Alex Verdugo struck out swinging at a knuckle curve, and Buehler secured his place in postseason lore.

“I remember being absolutely petrified until it was over,” Buehler told The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. “It was a one-run game, the short porch, two lefties. There is a lot going on there. It was as much fun as you can have in this game.”

He’ll carry that experience into the high-stakes intensity of Red Sox–Yankees.

“If you look at the rivalry here and what happened last year and all that stuff, I don’t think we as a team or me specifically will get the warmest reception,” Buehler said. “These kinds of rivalry games are why we all play. It’s some of the most fun games we’ll play all year.”

New York’s offense has surged behind Aaron Judge, who leads the majors in average, on-base percentage, and slugging. That, too, comes as no surprise to Buehler.