BOSTON — The Red Sox had hoped to give Walker Buehler time to acclimate to a bullpen role. But the team’s decision to start Payton Tolle in Friday’s game against the Pirates meant they needed a spot on the 40-man roster and Buehler was the most expendable player.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow explained the decision to give him his release.

“We had the expectation and anticipated being able to give him plenty of time to get used to that role and to pitch his way into leverage spots,” Breslow said. “But circumstances around the roster had changed and we need to make sure that we’re thinking about best positioning this group to win as many games as possible down the stretch.”

Alex Cora said it was a difficult move to make.

“It’s tough. This is where we’re at,” Cora sai

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