Walker Buehler shines in Phillies debut, leading team to victory

In the United States, the Philadelphia Phillies recently called up pitcher Walker Buehler to join their roster. This move came as the Phillies placed reliever José Alvarado on the 15-day injured list due to a left forearm strain. To accommodate Buehler, who was released by the Boston Red Sox last month, the team designated Matt Manning for assignment. Buehler, now 31 years old, signed with the Phillies on August 31 to make him eligible for postseason play. Buehler made his debut on September 12, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park, where he faced the Kansas City Royals. After having a strong minor league performance with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, his promotion to the major league team was highly anticipated. In his five-inning stint against the Royals, he allowed only one run on five hits and struck out three batters, earning his first win since August 8 while with the Red Sox. The game saw the Phillies taking an early deficit before turning it around in the third inning, thanks in part to Bryce Harper's two-run homer that gave Philadelphia a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Phillies went on to win the game 8-2, marking their fifth consecutive victory and bringing them closer to clinching a playoff berth. The match showcased contributions from various players, including Harper and Bryson Stott, who both homered in the game. Buehler's journey to this point has been marked by both significant achievements, such as two World Series victories with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and challenges, notably injuries that impacted his performance. His release from the Red Sox after posting a 5.45 ERA in 23 games brought uncertainty to his career. However, his promising debut with Philadelphia suggests a potential resurgence as the team positions itself for a strong finish to the season and aims for playoff contention.