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By Andrew Wright
Contributing Sports Writer
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When the Boston Red Sox signed former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and World Series champion Walker Buehler, they hoped he'd be a key part of helping them get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
His contributions to that goal will be put on hold for a while, as Buehler has been placed on the 15-day IL with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Buehler underwent testing on Thursday, and it was decided the best course of action was to place him on the injured list.
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Buehler was putting together a nice season in Boston, as he had a 4-1 record with a bit of an elevated ERA of 4.28 across 33 2/3 innings. He had 29 strikeouts and just nine walks, and he was looking a bit like the pitcher he was in 2021 when he 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA and finished fourth in Cy Young voting.
The Red Sox pitching staff ranks ninth in the AL with a 3.96 ERA and the depth of that staff will be tested with Buehler's injury. Last season's opening day starter Bryan Bello is now No. 4 in the starting rotation and 2021 eighth-round pick Hunter Dobbins is the No. 5 for Boston.
The Red Sox now have three pitchers in their starting rotation (Bello, Dobbins, and Lucas Giolito) who have combined for fewer innings this season (34 2/3) than both Garett Crochet (44) and Tanner Houck (36 2/3). Boston will have to rely heavily on Crochet and Houck due to the lack of innings pitched and lack of experience in the major leagues from especially Bello and Dobbins.
If the shoulder injury to Buehler is significant enough, Boston may need to look at external options and explore the trade market for a reliable and experienced starting pitcher.
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