PHILADELPHIA — Instant reactions as the Red Sox (54-48) put up a fight against the Phillies (and ace Zack Wheeler) but ultimately lose in bizarre fashion in extras, 3-2, to open a big series at Citizens Bank Park:

Red Sox manager Alex Cora was hurling superlatives at Monday’s starting pitcher before his team's game against the Phillies even started. Cora raved about the right-hander’s command, his bulldog mentality and how tough he is on hitters.

It’s Monday, July 21 and the Red Sox (54-47) are in Philadelphia to take on the Phillies (56-43). Walker Buehler is slated to take the mound for Boston against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia. This is the first meeting of the season between Philly and Boston as both are coming off series losses out of the All-Star break.

MLB player prop bets and odds for Kyle Schwarber on Monday, July 21, 2025, as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Boston Red Sox.

While talking to reporters, Boston Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler expresses 'hope' that he will be with the team for the second half of 2025.

SportsLine's model simulated Boston Red Sox vs. Philadelphia Phillies 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks for Monday's matchup at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/red-sox as Red Sox's Walker Buehler Makes Brutally Honest Admission About 2025 Playoffs.