TORONTO -- For Walker Buehler, it was refreshing for the right-hander to come into the season without any health issues, something that hadn’t happened for him in years.
However, on Thursday’s first day of May, Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed that it is uncertain when Buehler will make his next start, due to a right shoulder issue.
While the Red Sox were completing a three-game series in Toronto, Buehler was back in Boston undergoing tests.
“We're working on a few things regarding Walker. We’ll see where we’re at over the weekend,” said Cora. “He hasn't bounced back the way we wanted, so we have to wait.”
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding Buehler, Boston scratched American League Rookie of the Year candidate Kristian Campbell from Thursday’s lineup with right rib discomfort. The club’s No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was scheduled to play center field. Jarren Duran moved from left to center and Rob Refsnyder was inserted into the lineup to play left.
Buehler went 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA in his first six starts for the Red Sox.
In his most recent start on April 26 at Cleveland, Buehler allowed three runs over six innings while pitching his team to a 7-3 victory. It was Buehler’s third quality start in his last four appearances.
Brayan Bello will lead the Sox into a three-game series at home against the Twins on Friday. Buehler likely would have started Saturday, but that spot is currently listed as TBD. Garrett Crochet takes the ball in the Sunday afternoon finale against Minnesota.
Buehler’s shoulder ailment comes at a time when Boston’s starting rotation was back to full strength with Lucas Giolito turning in a strong start upon his return to action on Wednesday night.
Richard Fitts, who gave the Red Sox three strong starts earlier in the eason, has been on the 15-day injured list since April 13 with right pectoral tightness. The club’s No. 15 prospect isn’t an imminent option, per Cora’s report that the big righty’s latest progression is playing long toss out to 120 feet.
Lefty Sean Newcomb, who moved to the bullpen to make room for Giolito, could be re-inserted into the rotation if Buehler needs to go on the 15-day injured list.
Another option is No. 14 prospect Hunter Dobbins, who was solid in two spot starts (2-0, 2.45 ERA) in April.
While the Red Sox have much better starting depth than they’ve had in years, Buehler is one of the mainstays in the rotation.
After spending his seven seasons with the Dodgers, the two-time World Series champion signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract in December.
For Buehler, the Red Sox represented a strong landing spot to boost his value when he will again be a free agent in November.
For Boston, Buehler’s veteran cache and postseason experience and leadership qualities made him an ideal fit behind 25-year-old ace Crochet.
Both sides hope his current shoulder issue is a small bump in the road.