In each of his four starts this season, Taijuan Walker has fallen short for the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite signing a four-year, $72 million deal in December 2022, the right-hander has produced a 24–24 record with a 5.08 ERA across 88 appearances (71 starts).
Because of those ongoing struggles, the Phillies led by manager Rob Thomson are shaking up their approach as they prepare for another series against the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
Phillies make the right move sitting Taijuan Walker as a starter
Walker won’t be part of the starting rotation this time. Per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Thomson plans to use an opener against Chicago, with Walker following in relief. The decision is understandable: the 2021 All-Star has been disastrous in first innings this season, posting a massive 24.75 ERA while giving up 11 earned runs and three homers.
Interestingly, Walker has been far more effective out of the bullpen in a limited career sample, carrying a 3.92 ERA in 21 relief outings a sign this role change might help him stabilize.
With right-hander Zach Pop (strained calf) on the injured list the only true opener the Phillies have used this year the team will need to tap another bullpen arm or make a roster adjustment. Potential candidates include right-handers Chase Shugart (3.00 ERA) or Seth Johnson (16.20 ERA), and left-handers Tanner Banks (4.15 ERA) or Tim Mayza (2.45 ERA), depending on how Cubs manager Craig Counsell constructs his lineup.
