The Boston Red Sox are right in the middle of the race in the American League East. The Red Sox used a clutch win against the New York Yankees to come within five games of the Toronto Blue Jays for the lead. Boston manager Alex Cora made a move to help his pitching staff, sending Walker Buehler to the bullpen. Dustin May and Patrick Sandoval move up a spot with his absence.

Buehler has been pitching for his starting spot for a while now. After another shaky performance against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, Cora had seen enough of Buehler as a starter. The veteran now joins a bullpen group led by Jordan Hicks and Aroldis Chapman. The demotion represents a fall from grace for the former World Series champion who recorded the final out.

The Red Sox have had to make tough decisions throughout the regular season. Boston traded away Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a move that caught the league off guard. At the trade deadline, the front office brought in May to bolster Cora’s starting rotation. However, Buehler is no longer in line to start games.

The former All-Star spoke to Boston Globe writer Tim Healey about his demotion to the bullpen. While it is not ideal, Buehler is ready to make the most of it.

“Something that I’ll try to embrace for the next couple of months,” Buehler said about his new role.

After winning the 2024 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Buehler signed a one-year deal with Boston. With Sandoval taking his spot in the rotation once he returns from injury, it looks like the pitcher won’t re-sign with the Red Sox. Buehler has fought injuries over the last few seasons of his career. Despite his inspiring comeback story, it looks like he has lost a step.

Buehler will play out the remainder of his contract in Boston. He still has a chance to be an important contributor for Cora if the Red Sox make a run. It just won’t be as a starting pitcher.