Walker Buehler agrees with Phillies
On this August 31, it’s no surprise to see many players signing contracts. Nor is it surprising to see players from the waivers find takers – a la Isiah Kiner-Falefa, in fact.
Why should this be? Because a player on the roster before September 1 is eligible for the playoffs.
That’s why so many personnel moves are taking place today. It can’t be a transaction, since that’s been forbidden for a month for guys on a 40-man roster, but there are ways to move otherwise.
One name to keep an eye on, in that sense, was Walker Buehler. He’d been released by the Red Sox, which gave him the chance to sign somewhere in order to be eligible to pitch in the playoffs.
That’s what he did… but not with the Dodgers. I’m a little surprised, though.
The Philadelphia Phillies have put their faith in Buehler. He signed a contract with the Philly outfit in time to be available for the playoffs, where he’s capable of excelling.
Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Phladelphia Phillies are finalizing a deal, sources tell ESPN. Buehler was released by the Red Sox and wIill be eligible to play in the postseason for the Phillies.
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2025
As good as Buehler is in the playoffs (he shut down the last World Series, among others), his season with the Red Sox has been very difficult. But the Phillies probably figure he could bounce back in other colors.
Buehler will pitch once in AAA to prepare.
It must also be said that Dave Dombrowski’s club is looking for help on the mound in 2025. That was true before the deadline, but it’s been even truer since Zack Wheeler learned his season was over.
Let’s see if the gamble works.
- Blue Jays win, but Max Scherzer’s back hurts.
Max Scherzer was dealing with some upper back tightness today:
“Schneids made the right move to pull me in that situation. It was just something I had to deal with. I wasn’t the guy today, but the rest of the team picked me up. That’s the great news here.” #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 31, 2025
- Teoscar Hernandez needs to give more.
Dave Roberts on sitting Teoscar Hernández today:
"Clearly he hasn't handled right-handed pitching (.689 OPS). I think that a two-day reset could help. He's an everyday guy, but I do think that where we're at, you've got to perform too."
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 31, 2025
- Alek Manoah did well in AAA.
Alek Manoah is done for the day: 6.0 IP, 5H, 2 R/ER, 4 BB, 3 SO. Threw 86 pitches, 57 strikes for the #Bisons. #BlueJays
— Pat Malacaro (@PatWGR) August 31, 2025
- Nice outing from the veteran.
At 42 years and 192 days, Justin Verlander is the oldest pitcher with 10+ strikeouts in a game since Randy Johnson on 8/22/08 (44y 347d).
Only other pitchers with at least one 10-K game at that age or older in at least the last 125 seasons:
Roger Clemens
Nolan Ryan
Gaylord… pic.twitter.com/diFNj20B5A— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2025
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