Given that Zack Wheeler is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies are evaluating Walker Buehler as a potential addition in September. The Phillies officially added Buehler to their roster on Sunday, the organization confirmed, ensuring his eligibility for their postseason squad. The deadline to finalize postseason roster eligibility is set for 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday night. Buehler’s signing was formalized through a minor-league agreement, and he is slated to initially join the Triple-A affiliate.
Buehler, aged 31, recorded a 5.45 ERA over 112 ⅓ innings, encompassing 22 starts and a single relief appearance for the Boston Red Sox, while also exhibiting concerning underlying metrics (5.88 FIP and 5.69 xERA). He was released by the Red Sox earlier in the week, with the team remaining responsible for the bulk of his $21.05 million salary, deducting the prorated portion of the league minimum, which the Phillies will be required to cover.
Even with Wheeler’s absence, the Phillies currently boast five starting pitchers. The following represents their pitching rotation hierarchy prior to the acquisition of Buehler:
RHP Zack Wheeler(unavailable for 2025)- LHP Cristopher Sánchez
- LHP Jesús Luzardo
- LHP Ranger Suárez
- RHP Aaron Nola
- RHP Taijuan Walker
- RHP Alan Rangel
Walker has emerged as a noteworthy surprise, having pitched 101 ⅔ innings with a 3.63 ERA in a versatile swingman role. His contributions include 17 starts and nine relief appearances, with nine consecutive starts due to injuries impacting Nola and now Wheeler.
The Phillies’ intended deployment of Buehler remains uncertain, although it can be assumed that all options are being considered. This could include short relief, extended relief, swingman duties, or starting assignments. Above all, Buehler introduces valuable big-market and high-stakes experience to a Phillies team with ambitions of securing a World Series title, not just a playoff berth.
The Phillies began their Sunday schedule holding the top spot in the NL East with a 79-57 record. They maintain a lead of 6 ½ games over the New York Mets.
