Kyle Bradish has looked like an instant contributor coming back from Tommy John, delivering a 6-inning, 2-run debut and piling up whiffs on his slider and curve. Payton Tolle earned a bold MLB debut with eight strikeouts and a 32.6% whiff rate, earning a spot in Boston’s rotation as Walker Buehler’s absence looms. Ian Seymour has thrived with a devastating changeup for Rays, while Shane Smith has shown flashes but remains volatile. The piece weighs who’s worth scooping in Week 23.

Bradish’s early form and Orioles’ rotation plan—five days between starts with a six-man setup—boost his fantasy ceiling in 12+ team formats. Tolle’s upside is real, especially in deeper leagues, as his heavy fastball profile could sustain strikeout gains. Seymour appears ready to front-line the Rays’ rotation with your standard waiver-wire risk/time. Smith’s highs aren’t enough to stash in shallow leagues, even after recent positives.

Walker Buehler joined Philadelphia on a one-year deal, was assigned to Lehigh Valley, and could join the Phillies’ postseason rotation after Wheeler’s surgery. Boston cut him days earlier, leaving Philly to chase depth for October.

His playoff pedigree is elite (3.04 ERA in the postseason) while his 2024 Boston line (7-7, 5.45 ERA in 22 starts) hints at rust. The contract pays a month at the league minimum ($760k), a small risk for big upside if he recaptures form late in the season.

Wheeler's season is over, so Philadelphia signed Walker Buehler to a minor-league deal, keeping him postseason-eligible and available for a September call-up. Buehler brings big-game pedigree and versatile usage, potentially fitting into bullpen, long relief, or even a starter role as Philly pursues a World Series run.

The Phillies already field a rotation of Sánchez, Luzardo, Suárez, Nola, Walker and Rangel, and Buehler’s addition adds depth and upside for late-season and playoff scenarios. The team will weigh innings, rehab timelines, and matchup-driven roles as they navigate September rosters.

Philadelphia adds Walker Buehler in September to bolster a rotation missing Zack Wheeler. Buehler, released by Boston after posting a 5.45 ERA in 112 1/3 innings, will be postseason-eligible as Philadelphia navigates Wheeler’s absence. The Phillies’ current depth features Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Ranger Suárez, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Alan Rangel, with Buehler’s role open as a short- or long-relief option, or a starter who could influence Philadelphia’s title pursuit.