This might not be what Philadelphia Phillies fans wanted to hear today. Taijuan Walker is making his way back to the Phillies rotation.
Walker was placed on the IL on June 23 with right index finger inflammation stemming from a blister.
Phillies look destined to repeat same mistake with Taijuan Walker
Walker has been a disappointment since signing with the Phillies on a four-year contract prior to the 2023 season. Everyone knows that.
The right-hander started the season on the IL dealing with a shoulder injury. He didn’t make his first start until April 28 against the San Diego Padres in which he allowed six earned runs.
The Phillies opted to start Spencer Turnbull in Walker’s place to start the season. Turnbull started six games in his absence and pitched very well. He posted a 1.67 ERA with 36 strikeouts and a .148 batting average against across those starts.
There was speculation whether or not the Phillies should’ve taken Turnbull out of the starting rotation when Walker returned from the IL. The Phillies decided to insert Walker into the rotation and move Turnbull to the bullpen. Walker is 3-3 with a 5.60 ERA in 10 starts this season.
The Phillies are about to be in the same position as they were when deciding to move Turnbull back to the bullpen when Walker was healthy. Walker made a rehab start with Double-A Reading on July 31. The 31-year-old pitched 2 2/3 innings and allowed four hits, two earned runs and one walk. He’s scheduled to make another rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday and is due back mid-August, according to MLB.com.
