Phillies signing pitcher Walker Buehler, who could fit into their postseason plans

Scott Lauber, The Philadelphia Inquirer on Aug 31, 2025

Published in Baseball

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PHILADELPHIA — A year after Walker Buehler threw the clinching pitch of the World Series, the Phillies have enlisted his help to win the National League East — and maybe more.

Buehler agreed to terms Sunday on a deal with the Phillies, according to a major league source. Because he signed before Sept. 1, the 31-year-old righty will be eligible for the postseason.

The Boston Red Sox signed Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract in the offseason. They released him on Friday after moving him to the bullpen a few weeks ago. He had a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances for Boston.

But Buehler’s best start came July 21 against the Phillies, when he allowed two runs (one earned) in seven innings at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies have another connection to Buehler: pitching coach Caleb Cotham is a fellow Vanderbilt product.

The Phillies will pay Buehler one month’s worth of the major league minimum salary — or approximately $130,000 — with the Red Sox on the hook for the balance of his salary.

Buehler, then, represents a low-cost flier. It’s unclear how the Phillies will use him. He could join the rotation as a No. 6 starter or slot into the bullpen as a long man.

Either way, Buehler comes with considerable postseason experience as a two-time World Series winner with the Dodgers. He has a 3.04 ERA in 19 career playoff games, including a 3.60 mark last season.

The Phillies also claimed lefty reliever Tim Mayza off waivers from the Pittsbrugh Pirates, a move the team announced before Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves.

Mayza, 33, is an Allentown, Pa., native who pitched in college at Millersville. He had a 2.89 ERA in seven appearances for the Pirates before going on the injured list with left forearm inflammation. He made four minor-league rehab appearances before being cut loose by the Pirates.

To open a spot on the 40-man roster for Mayza, the Phillies transferred Zack Wheeler to the 60-day injured list. Wheeler is awaiting surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

The Phillies will have to make another 40-man move to accommodate Buehler. Active rosters can expand to 28 players Monday.

Extra bases

After not playing Saturday because of a sore left shoulder, outfielder Max Kepler was available off the bench, Thomson said. ... Shortstop prospect Aidan Miller is expected to rejoin Double-A Reading on Tuesday after missing four games for personal reasons, according to a team source. ... Taijuan Walker (4-7, 3.63 ERA) will start the series opener at 4:10 p.m. ET Monday in Milwaukee against rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (4-2, 4.33).