San Diego – The Red Sox, like other competitors, are evaluating their clubs as they stretch towards the stretch.
That made it a start to watch the start of Walker Buehler on Friday night, with the topsy structure match between Walker Buehler and Boston, which has been a shock, especially for the competitive right-hander himself.
In a big spot, Bühler is perhaps his best effort of the season, launching six innings without scores, allowing the Red Sox to beat Padres 10-2 in a engaging three-game series opener between clubs with nearly the same record.
Buehler has started for the first time since May 18, 2024, with more than six points without a division since the Reds.
“You have to go,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He knows. It's not a lack of work. He's executed today. Now he needs to turn the pages and prepare for Houston. [on Wednesday]. ”
Under improved fastball command, Boole (7-6, 5.40 ERA) watched his home on his latest return to Southern California, taking Padres (64-52) four hits, walking two hits and hitting four times.
The Red Sox (65-52) moved in three games with No. 1 Toronto at AL East.
“The ball works differently here in Southern California. When it comes to sports, your numbers are always good here,” Buller said. “I feel good about the fastballs in the bullpen, and that’s part of the plan.”
The former Dodge is now 2-1, starting with a 2.18 ERA in six professional seasons at Petco Park.
If it doesn't have the intensity of some Dodge-Paders competitive game over the years, the results are still satisfying given the way his season has so far.
“Let’s not sugar coating,” Buller said. “The biggest thing people talk to me about is pitching in the playoffs. So when you face a team that is going to make the playoffs, I think they are a little more important to me in a way.”
Does Buller feel this is his best start with the Red Sox? The always 31-year-old admitted that there aren't many other places to choose from.
“I have three good people all year round, I'll remember,” Buller said. “But, you know, against the White Sox at 11 a.m. [on Patriots Day] Not the one you really wear a hat. But this one is with Philadelphia [on July 21] Probably the two best against the Big Boys playoffs. I've invested a lot here and got some success here. ”
While there is little to be pleasant to the inconsistent Buehler, he can go back to one thing last season when he had a similar fight with the Dodgers and then went through it when October was most important.
“Obviously, I've always been a strange person [with the rest of the] Spinning is good, so I think if I can figure out the sky is a limit,” Buller said. “But at the same time, I also feel like if I’m the worst person when spinning, then we’re in a good position. And if I could catch some magic like I did last year, things would be really good for us.
“I feel like that tonight. Hopefully I can build some on it, hopefully I can play two or three months here.”
For Buehler, it was a clear upgrade he had last time in this part of the country, when he walked seven innings in Anaheim on June 23.
When Boole began three consecutive wins from July 5 to 21, he cited an improvement in arm angle.
After hitting a rut in the last two games before this game, Buehler made more adjustments and returned to the drawing board.
“I've found something in the last few starts because I want my hind legs to work. Tonight, that's a lot better for me,” Buller said. “I miss me, know where my hands are [is important]. And if that happens, I feel like I can do whatever I want, and this is probably one of the better people in baseball.
“Obviously, I haven't been there this year. But tonight, I feel like I kind of know where my hands are. It's obviously a pretty improved result.”