Boston Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler (0) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 18. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Boston Red Sox Scratch Key Free Agent Acquisition From Sunday Contest, No Reason as to Why

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 9:18 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox scratched free agent acquisition Walker Buehler from his start on Sunday in what would have been his final tune-up before the regular season.

Tom Caron of NESN says that no reason has been given at this time, though we will update you when that reason becomes available. Cooper Criswell is starting in his place.

1. Criswell is a change - was supposed to be Buehler. No word yet on why.
2. Campbell at 2B for third straight day. Is this your opening day lineup? https://t.co/lgTX2SI5V8
— Tom Caron (@TomCaron) March 23, 2025

Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Buehler is looking to reassert himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball.

The 30-year-old helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series in 2024, securing the final out in Game 5 against the New York Yankees. Though he came out the postseason hero, it was a generally rough year for Buehler.

The righty came back from a Tommy John surgery that he underwent at the end of 2022 and went just 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA. He made 16 starts, striking out just 64 batters in 75.1 innings.

Before the Tommy John surgery, Buehler was one of the best arms in baseball. From 2017-2022, he went 46-16 and helped the Dodgers get to the World Series in 2017 and 2018 before winning the title in 2020.

Buehler is a two-time All-Star and will join Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck and Lucas Giolito in the rotation, once everyone is healthy. Unfortunately, Bello and Giolito will both miss at least one turn through the rotation because of injury.

The Red Sox open the season on Thursday, March 27 on the road at the Texas Rangers.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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