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Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker has been a catastrophe since signing his four-year, $72 million contract in December 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 Philly.
In response to 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 aid. Walker’s first-inning struggles — a 24.75 ERA and three dwelling runs in 4 begins — led the Phillies to make use of him as a bulk reliever as an alternative of beginning.
In response to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark, Walker’s first-inning woes had been so unhealthy that opposing hitters had been slashing .353/.417/..657/1.074. This is identical slash line as Corridor of Famer Joe DiMaggio the yr he had his 56-game hit streak (1941) and received 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 nicely, strolling none and placing 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 huge leagues underneath 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 he handled proper shoulder soreness in 2024 whereas with the Phillies.
Walker’s stuff has additionally declined, together with his dwelling run share growing by 4.3% whereas with the Phillies (2.7% in 2022 and seven.0% in 2026). This decline by Walker received’t land him within the huge leagues with one other membership this season, however it 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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