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2025 Transactions: Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney Released

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 12:59 PM ET

With the August 31 postseason roster crunch underway, teams are making final adjustments. The Red Sox promoted arguably their best pitching prospect on August 29 but cut a notable 2024-25 offseason pickup, Walker Buehler, to add him to the 26-man roster. And, Buehler wasn’t the only pitcher to be released on the 29th.

Buehler cut by Red Sox

The Red Sox released pitcher Walker Buehler on August 29, making room for rookie Payton Tolle, who was promoted for his MLB debut.

Buehler, who signed a one-year deal last December, came off a resurgent October last fall to earn himself a deal with Boston. However, his 2025 season was a difficult one for the 31-year-old.

His velocity was down on virtually every pitch. The fastball averaged 94 MPH, down one MPH on average from his 2024 mean (95.0), while the cutter saw too much plate this season. Opposing hitters batted .363 with six home runs off the pitch.

Among starters with 100+ IP thrown this season, Buehler owned the 11th-worst ERA (5.45). Meanwhile, his command — a sore point last season — lagged again. His 4.42 BB/9 was fourth-worst among pitchers who met that aforementioned criteria.

Buehler’s traditionally had a strong track record in the playoffs. But if a team wants to take a shot on him this late & potentially have him as an option in the postseason, Buehler would have to sign with a new team before September 1.

Additionally, the Sox called Nick Sogard up and demoted Jhostynxon Garcia to Triple-A.

Other transactions & moves

Here’s a look at other notable transactions from August 29:

The Pirates cut Andrew Heaney on August 29. Heaney was moved to the bullpen this month, amidst a rough past few months for the left-hander. The 34-year-old struck out just 84 over 120.1 IP this season for the Pirates.
The Orioles released Matt Bowman.
Mariners outfielder Victor Robles had his 10-game suspension cut down to seven. Robles was originally suspended for a bat-throwing incident.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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