Just a week prior, Buchanan was toiling in Triple-A with the Phillies’ affiliate. Out of nowhere, he was demoted to the High-A Jersey Shore Blue Claws. It was an unexpected move, and Buchanan himself was left scratching his head. “I don’t even know how to explain that,” Buchanan said. “They wanted to keep me throwing and keep getting me innings. The Lord works in mysterious ways. It ended up working out for me. I’ll take it.” Talk about a whirlwind!
After that surprising reassignment, Buchanan threw seven innings against the Brooklyn Cyclones, allowing just one run. That Cyclones lineup included a couple of 20-year-olds, but Buchanan, the seasoned veteran, showed them how it’s done. Following this impressive performance, the Phillies orchestrated a minor league trade that sent him to the Reds—a team in dire need of pitching depth.
“It happened out of the blue,” Buchanan admitted. “It’s always exciting to have a new experience.” And what an experience it was. Initially, he reported to Triple-A with the Louisville Bats, the Reds’ affiliate, but didn’t pitch a game. Then, the call-up to the majors came. It was a moment he hadn’t tasted since 2015, and boy, did he make the most of it.
The Reds, grappling with five starting pitchers on the injured list, were practically holding their pitching staff together with toothpicks and glue. Before the game, Reds manager David Bell made it clear that the team was counting on Buchanan to eat up innings. Not only did Buchanan deliver, but he also shined, allowing just one run in 3 ⅓ innings against a formidable Brewers lineup. It was a standout performance for a guy who hadn’t pitched in the big leagues in nearly a decade.
Let's rewind a bit—nine years ago, Buchanan was in the Phillies’ starting rotation. But that season didn’t go as planned. He posted a 6.99 ERA and ended up with a rough 2-9 record, losing his spot on the roster. What followed was a long and winding road back to the major leagues.
From 2017 to 2023, Buchanan pitched overseas in Japan and Korea. But baseball wasn’t just a game for him; it was a way of life. Due to some family situations, he decided to return stateside for the 2024 season. The Phillies gave him a shot in Triple-A, but he eventually lost his spot in the rotation. That’s when the Reds saw an opportunity and scooped him up.
“I love the game,” Buchanan said, reflecting on his journey. “I still have something left in the tank, so I’m going to continue playing. I’m going to take advantage of it as much as I can.” That love for the game was on full display against the Brewers.
Reliever Fernando Cruz started the game, delivering two scoreless innings. Without an available starter, the Reds had turned to Buchanan to handle the bulk of the innings. He not only took on the challenge but thrived under the pressure. His performance kept the Reds in the game, setting the stage for second baseman Amed Rosario, who crushed a game-tying homer that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
However, the excitement didn’t last. In the ninth inning, reliever Justin Wilson, thrust into a high-leverage situation due to the Reds’ overworked bullpen, surrendered the go-ahead home run to Brewers left fielder Jackson Chourio. It was a tough pill to swallow, but Buchanan’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He provided a much-needed boost to a team scrambling to piece together its pitching staff.
Buchanan’s story is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable nature of baseball. One minute you’re pitching against kids nearly half your age in High-A, and the next, you’re facing a first-place team in the majors. It’s a ride Buchanan is more than happy to be on, and who knows where this next chapter will take him? For now, he’s just enjoying the moment and proving that age is just a number.
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