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Red Sox's Alex Cora Delivers Three-Word Message on Walker Buehler Amid Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Walker Buehler continues to disappoint in his debut Boston Red Sox campaign.

The two-time All-Star and two-time top-10 Cy Young finisher has struggled to the tune of a 5-6 record, a 6.45 ERA, a 6.03 FIP, and 59 strikeouts to 32 walks over 67 innings in 2025.

Buehler’s latest outing saw him go four innings with four earned runs on four hits, two home runs, three walks, and three strikeouts. The Red Sox lost 6-5 to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Here is what manager Alex Cora had to say about Buehler’s future in the rotation, via Tyler Milliken of 985 The Sports Hub:

Alex Cora when asked if it’s time to start thinking about Walker Buehler’s spot in the rotation:

“Not right now.” pic.twitter.com/3Idm259yq8
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) June 29, 2025

Buehler got off to a slow start in Boston, and that was partially justified because of his long absence from the mound. He missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and a hip injury.

However, this production is unsustainable, particularly for a Boston team in need of quality starts. Aside from ace Garrett Crochet (2.06 ERA, 2.54 FIP) and Brayan Bello (3.41 ERA, 4.42 FIP), the Red Sox’s staff has not performed nearly up to their preseason expectations.

Buehler has not delivered on his one-year, $21.05 million figure. Lucas Giolito (3.99 ERA, 4.04 FIP) has had his moments, but he is also being paid $19 million this season. Rookie Hunter Dobbins has impressed when healthy (4.10 ERA, 3.86 FIP), but he is also on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain.

Boston still has time to turn its 41-44 record around, but with the trade deadline approaching, it feels like the Red Sox will be sellers, not buyers, by the end of July.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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