Taijuan Walker is set to return to the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation on Thursday, less than a month after many thought his time in red pinstripes had ended. His start will come on a day when the Phillies could potentially clinch their first NL East title since 2011.
Manager Rob Thomson confirmed on Monday in Milwaukee, per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, that Walker will start Thursday’s game against the New York Mets. This decision follows Walker’s recent relief appearance, where he threw three scoreless innings, helping the Phillies to a comeback win over the Mets.
Walker’s last start was on August 28 against the Houston Astros, where he gave up 13 hits and six earned runs over six innings in a 10-0 loss. Despite the rough outing, he was left in to preserve the bullpen. This followed a start against Kansas City, where he surrendered eight hits and six earned runs in just three innings.
Many speculated that Walker might be designated for assignment, but the Phillies opted to move him to the bullpen instead. His four-year, $72 million contract likely factored into that decision. Since his bullpen move, Walker has made three relief appearances with a 4.50 ERA over eight innings.
The decision to bring Walker back to the rotation seems to stem from the lack of other viable options. Three pitchers have filled the No. 5 starter role in his absence, with each struggling:
– Tyler Phillips (9/3 vs. Blue Jays): 8 hits, 6 earned runs, 2 home runs in 2/3 of an inning
– Seth Johnson (9/8 vs. Marlins): 8 hits, 9 earned runs, 1 home run in 2 1/3 innings
– Kolby Allard (9/14 vs. Mets): 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 3 walks in 3 innings
Though Allard’s 4.29 ERA over 21 innings this season might have warranted another shot, it’s still better than Walker’s 6.29 ERA over 78 2/3 innings.
Ultimately, the fifth starter won’t be a major concern once the postseason begins, but the Phillies hope that this weakness at the back of the rotation won’t cost them the No. 1 seed in the NL playoffs.
