Red Sox Slumping $21M Veteran Might Have Made Last Start In Boston: Report

The Boston Red Sox have quickly shifted into win-at-all-costs mode after their embarrassing two-game sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles this week.

On Wednesday, the Red Sox optioned right-handed pitcher Isaiah Campbell to Triple-A Worcester after a pitiful performance against the Miami Marlins on Saturday. According to a report from MassLive's Sean McAdam, Boston plans to recall Richard Fitts, a member of their opening day rotation, to take over Campbell's spot in the bullpen.

If Fitts were to appear out of the bullpen soon, it would be his first relief appearance in two years in the majors. However, the Red Sox might have an even bigger twist forthcoming.

McAdam and fellow MassLive writer Chris Cotillo reported on Wednesday that the Red Sox are considering removing veteran right-hander Walker Buehler from their rotation after his latest rough outing in the Orioles series finale, not committing to starting him on Monday, which would be his next scheduled turn in the rotation.

"According to sources, the Red Sox continue to have discussions about how long to stay with veteran Walker Buehler in the rotation," the insiders wrote. "Buehler is tentatively scheduled to next pitch Monday night in Baltimore but the Red Sox have been re-assessing his rotation spot and might further do so after an uneven, 4+ inning, 4-walk performance in Tuesday's loss."

"Fitts would be one option (along with Kyle Harrison and potentially, Cooper Criswell) to replace Buehler if a move were to be made. Having him with the club could potentially make a shake-up easier."

Harrison and Criswell are both risky options compared to Fitts, as the former has yet to appear in a major league game since arriving in the Rafael Devers blockbuster in June, and the latter only has one major league start this year, though it was a good one.

Buehler, 30, has been a major disappointment for the Red Sox after starring for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs last season. In 24 starts, he has a 5.40 ERA and 1.56 WHIP, setting a new career-high with 54 walks in just 110 innings.

The Red Sox are paying Buehler $21 million this year, though over 80% of that is already cashed in. They could designate him for assignment if they really think he's incapable of helping their cause, but chances are, given his postseason track record, they'd try him out in a relief role of some sort down the stretch.