Walker Buehler’s Phillies debut didn’t exactly inspire confidence

The Phillies rolled the dice on Walker Buehler at the end of August, hoping the two-time All-Star had something left in the tank. Saturday night in Lehigh Valley was our first real look at him in red pinstripes, and… let’s just say he didn’t exactly ease concerns.

Walker Buehler opened his outing by giving up a leadoff homer to former Phillies prospect Hao-Yu Lee, then labored through three innings on 78 pitches.

Hao-Yu Lee takes Walker Buehler yard

Hao-Yu Lee leading us off with a solo HR 🔥 pic.twitter.com/K6OSsDeko2

— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) September 6, 2025

His line: 5 hits, 3 walks, 2 runs (1 earned), and 5 strikeouts. Not a disaster, but not exactly what you want to see from a guy the Phillies are eyeing as a potential rotation piece down the stretch.

Walker Buehler’s night is done for AAA Lehigh Valley:

3.0 IP | 5 H | 1 ER | 3 BB | 5 K | 78 P, 47 Strikes pic.twitter.com/T6JUcZlXel

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) September 6, 2025

The biggest red flag was Walker Buehler’s velocity.

Buehler’s fastball sat around 92–93 mph, a far cry from the 95+ heat he used to bring back in his peak Dodgers years. That drop, plus the command issues, is why he only lasted three innings. To be fair, some sloppy defense didn’t help him either, but the story of the night was too many balls and not enough finish.

The Phillies knew this was a reclamation project when they signed him after Boston cut ties. Dave Dombrowski has already tried to sell the move as a “worthwhile flier,” pointing to Buehler’s postseason pedigree (3.04 ERA across 94 2/3 playoff innings). And sure, that résumé matters. If the Phillies can fix him, suddenly you’ve got an October weapon.

But right now? There’s no reason to believe he’s close to being that guy. His first Phillies start is slated for Sept. 12, and unless something clicks between now and then, this is more “fingers crossed” than “pencil him in for October.”

More on the Phillies:

• Phillies promote Aidan Miller to Triple-A Lehigh Valley
• Otto López homers twice for the Fish, Phillies comeback falls short
• Phillies hold their breath as Trea Turner leaves game with hamstring injury

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