Phillies Add Walker Buehler For Rotation Debut Against Royals

Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, is set to make his Philadelphia Phillies debut on Friday against the Kansas City Royals after signing with the team on August 31. Buehler, who had a difficult 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox marked by a 7-7 record and a 5.45 ERA, was released by Boston before joining the Phillies and spending time with their Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley. The Phillies are expanding to a six-man rotation after losing ace Zack Wheeler for the season, and they hope Buehler can regain his form and contribute to their pursuit of a World Series title. Buehler expressed appreciation for the Phillies' management, highlighting the involvement of the GM, manager, and pitching coach in recruiting him. He also voiced his frustration with the Automated Ball-Strike System used in the minors, preferring the traditional human umpiring. Buehler's debut comes with the aim of stabilizing Philadelphia's rotation and helping the team chase its first championship since 2008.