The Phillies have launched veteran proper-hander Taijuan Walker, per a membership announcement. Philadelphia additionally optioned proper-hander Alan Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and recalled proper-hander Nolan Hoffman. It appears there’ll be one other transfer earlier than at this time’s sport to fill the twenty sixth spot on the roster.
Walker, 33, is within the remaining season of a 4-12 months, $72MM contract that didn’t pan out in any respect because the group hoped. It was a surprisingly giant contract on the time he signed the deal. Walker was recent off a strong 29-begin displaying with the Mets (3.49 ERA, 157 1/3 innings), however his price stats didn’t help that stage of run prevention. Walker had a good season as an innings consuming, again-of-the-rotation starter in 12 months one of many contract (4.38 ERA, 172 2/3 frames), and he posted strong outcomes between the rotation and bullpen in 2025 as nicely (4.08 ERA, 123 2/3 innings).
The different two seasons of the contract have been a nightmare. Walker was one of many least-efficient pitchers within the sport in 2024, yielding a 7.10 earned run common throughout 83 2/3 innings. This season has gone even worse. The veteran righty has pitched 22 2/3 innings and been shelled for 25 runs (23 earned) on a whopping 36 hits and 11 walks with solely 17 strikeouts. He’s working with the second-worst velocity of his profession — forward of solely that disastrous ’24 marketing campaign — and lacking bats at his lowest ranges ever. Between these purple flags and the 9.13 ERA, the Phillies have been left with little alternative however to maneuver on as they attempt to crawl out of an 8-16 gap and snap a woeful eight-sport dropping streak.
More to come back.
