Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker has been a catastrophe since signing his four-year, $72 million contract in December of 2022. Walker’s newest disappointment got here with the Phillies’ 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, which proved to be the final straw for the Phillies.
In line with the Phillies on X, the previous All-Star (2021) was launched after permitting 4 earned runs (5 whole) on eight hits in 4 innings in reduction. Walker’s struggles within the first inning — a 24.75 ERA and three house runs in 4 begins — led the Phillies to make use of him as a bulk reliever as a substitute of beginning.
In line with The Athletic’s Jayson Stark, Walker’s first-inning woes have been so dangerous that opposing hitters have been slashing .353/.417/..657/1.074. This is similar slash line as Corridor of Famer Joe DiMaggio the 12 months he had his 56-game hit streak (1941) and gained the American League MVP Award: .357/.440/.643/1.083.
Together with Walker’s launch, right-hander Nolan Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A Leigh Valley, whereas right-hander Alan Rangel was optioned again to Triple-A. Rangel threw three mop-up innings after Walker and did properly, strolling none and hanging out 5.
Taijuan Walker will doubtless must signal a minor league deal to get again into the large leagues
At 33 and with 14 years within the massive leagues below his belt, Walker has logged a ton of innings on his proper arm (1300.2). Walker has additionally had Tommy John surgical procedure on his arm in 2018 whereas with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and handled proper shoulder soreness in 2024 whereas with the Phillies.
Walker’s stuff has additionally declined, together with his house run share rising by 4.3% whereas with the Phillies (2.7% in 2022 and seven.0% in 2026). This decline by Walker gained’t land him within the massive leagues with one other membership this season, but it surely may, relying on groups’ pitching wants.
On the very least, Walker could also be compelled to signal a minor league contract to work on sharpening his arsenal to show he’s able to get one other likelihood.
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