Walker Buehler’s much-anticipated return to Yankee Stadium as a Boston Red Sox starter turned disastrous Friday night, fueling concerns about his rocky season and the Red Sox’s faltering rotation. The former Dodgers ace, who clinched the 2024 World Series on this same mound, lasted just two innings against the Yankees, surrendering seven runs—five of them in a brutal first inning that saw Jazz Chisholm launch a three-run homer and Anthony Volpe add a two-run shot.
Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with Boston in the offseason, called his performance “embarrassing” and admitted he’s fallen short of expectations. His ERA ballooned to.18, and his record dropped to 4-4 after the 9-6 loss, with the Red Sox now sitting at 30-35 and struggling to stay competitive in the AL East.
Manager Alex Cora voiced frustration with the team’s ongoing first-inning woes, as Boston’s starters have consistently failed to deliver deep outings. Buehler’s struggles are especially concerning given his pedigree and the Red Sox’s hopes for a playoff push. As the trade deadline approaches, speculation is mounting about Buehler’s future and whether the Red Sox will make major moves to salvage their season.
