The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a huge blow when news of Zack Wheeler came out a few weeks ago. He will be out for the rest of the season after he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.
However, the club was quick to find someone else to step up and toe the rubber. They went out and signed Walker Buehler after he was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox.
Buehler has worked his way through a start in the minors and recently made his debut with the Phillies. Against the Kansas City Royals, he went five innings, giving up just one run on five hits while striking out three batters.
Walker Buehler's strong start threatens former All-Star's postseason spot
Walker Buehler proved to be big in his debut win against the Royals. He could be somebody that the team could rely on in the postseason, whether as a starter or in the bullpen. That Ball's Outta Here's Matt Grazel argues he should get the starting spot over Taijuan Walker.
"Walker is having a better season than last year. His 4.17 ERA is around his 4.38 ERA he finished with in 2023. However, if Buehler continues to pitch well before the end of the regular season, that makes Walker's chances of making the postseason roster more unlikely."
If Walker were to miss the postseason, it would be the second year in a row. He was left missing from Thomson's roster in 2024 when the Phillies saw their season end in the NLDS against the New York Mets.