Mon Sep 01 00:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information:

**Red Sox Release Veteran Pitcher Walker Buehler After Disappointing Season**

**BOSTON, MA -** In a surprising move, the Boston Red Sox released veteran pitcher Walker Buehler on August 29th. The move comes as the team aims to bolster its rotation with young talent down the stretch of the American League playoff race.

Buehler, 31, signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox this season, but struggled to find his form. In 22 starts, he failed to complete five innings in nine outings and allowed four or more runs in eight of them, posting a 5.45 ERA across 112.1 innings. His struggles led to a recent demotion to the bullpen, where he made only one appearance. His 6.7 strikeouts per nine innings represents a career-low for Buehler, who previously averaged 9.5 strikeouts per nine across eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox have been relying on the strong performances of Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito to propel them to the top of the AL Wild Card standings. However, with Richard Fitts on the injured list and a lack of upcoming off-days, the team opted to release Buehler and promote top pitching prospect Payton Tolle from the minor leagues.

Tolle, 22, a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, will make his major league debut at Fenway Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates and their ace, Paul Skenes. Tolle impressed in the minors this season, striking out an impressive 13 batters per nine innings across three different levels.

Buehler, a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, was expected to bring playoff experience and big-game heroics to Boston. Last season, he started and won Game 3 of the World Series against the Yankees and secured the save in the deciding Game 5. Buehler holds a stellar 0.47 ERA in four World Series appearances across 2018, 2020, and 2024.

Despite the release, Buehler is still owed $21.05 million for the 2025 season, and a $3 million buyout related to the $25 million option for 2026. The Red Sox hope Tolle’s addition will provide a needed spark as they fight for a playoff berth.

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