As the Phillies close in on an NL East title, they’re activating former Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler.

Released by Boston on Aug. 29, Buehler will start against the Royals on Friday night in his Philadelphia debut. The right-hander had one Triple-A appearance for Lehigh Valley this month, allowing two runs (one earned) in three innings of work.

The Red Sox inked Buehler to a $21 million contract this offseason in hopes of stabilizing their starting pitching depth, but the results were disastrous.

The right-hander posted a 5.45 ERA and 1.558 WHIP in 23 appearances and pitched his way out of the starting rotation. Boston tried to move Buehler to the bullpen, then after one relief appearance designated him for assignment.

“Obviously, it didn’t work out in Boston, and I’m super excited

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