Walker Buehler was released by the Boston Red Sox after a tough 2025 season, posting a 5.45 ERA over 112.1 innings across 23 appearances. His 84 strikeouts were a career-low per nine, while 55 walks and 120 hits allowed highlighted control and command issues. A prior second Tommy John surgery and a shoulder bursitis stint cloud his outlook, even as he remained a former All-Star and postseason contributor for the Dodgers.

Boston answered with a bullpen shift and an eye toward youth, promoting Payton Tolle to start Friday against Paul Skenes and the Pirates as they chase a wild-card spot. With 27 games left and 3.5 games to make up in the AL East, the Sox are leaning into upside and reclamation projects, shaping fantasy angles around relief roles, rotation depth, and upcoming opportunities.

Bottom line for fantasy managers: Buehler’s value treads water at best given the bullpen assignment and health risk, while the Sox’ evolving pitching plan—along with the Skenes-Tolle-Pirates clash—tilts daily-streaming and prospect-driven bets in Boston’s favor or against them depending on the matchup.