Red Sox Noncommittal On Walker Buehler’s Future In Rotation

The Boston Red Sox need more out of their rotation. Garrett Crochet has anchored the group, with Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito consistently turning in quality starts behind him. Dustin May is a newcomer to the group and it’s too early to say what they have in May, and Walker Buehler has struggled.

Giolito, Bello, Crochet and May are lined up to start in the four-game series against the New York Yankees. After that, it would be Buehler’s turn, but Alex Cora wasn’t willing to commit to the veteran righty just yet.

“We haven’t talked about it yet,” Cora said in response to a question about if Buehler would start on Monday against the Orioles.

Buehler last pitched on Wednesday. He completed four innings, allowing two runs on four hits, four strikeouts and four walks. The Red Sox used seven relievers in the game and fell to the Baltimore Orioles in 11 innings.

The issue for Buehler has been command. He’s tied for the eighth most walks in baseball, and has the most two-out walks in the league. Buehler’s 14.6% putaway rate ranks near the bottom among qualified starting pitchers.

Because of this, Buehler hasn’t been able to consistently work deep into games. He’s completed six or more innings in just six of his last 13 starts.

The Red Sox don’t have a clear replacement for Buehler. Richard Fitts was recalled on Wednesday, but the plan is for him to pitch out of the bullpen. Cooper Criswell was also placed on the injured list, ruling him out for Monday’s game. Kyle Harrison last pitched on Tuesday, which could make him a candidate to start Monday. Players on the Orioles’ active roster have a combined 80 wRC+, making Harrison a good matchup.