Taijuan Walker is officially unemployed. The Phillies pitcher was released prior to Thursday’s game in Chicago after another bad outing Wednesday night. The Phillies used an opener Wednesday in an effort to alleviate Walker’s struggles in the first inning of games this season, but that backfired when the right-hander immediately surrendered a 2-1 lead.
The Phillies will eat $15-million in releasing Walker, much like they had to do when they released outfielder Nick Castellanos in spring training. Walker is free to sign with any team for the pro-rated major league minimum.
Walker’s roster spot was not immediately filled. The Phillies will activate pitcher Zack Wheeler to make his 2026 season debut Saturday in Atlanta. Wheeler is on the IL following thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and made five rehab starts in the minors. He will be limited to six innings and 90 pitches on Saturday.
Initially, the plan was for Walker to move to the bullpen when Wheeler returned, but his issues in the first inning of outings would have just been exposed further had they attempted that.
“He has tried everything he possibly can, just has not been able to be effective for us this past year,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters in Chicago.
Manager Rob Thomson credited Walker for his professionalism during his time with the Phillies.
“He’s one of the best teammates and best people I’ve ever been around. I hope people understand that this guy always took the ball, never refused it, always answered questions after the game, took down some innings for us when our bullpen was short. This guy’s a pro, and I’m going to miss him,” said Thomson.
Transactions
In addition to releasing Walker, the Phillies optioned pitcher Alan Rangel back to Lehigh Valley. Rangel had been recalled initially to serve as the opener for Walker but that move was changed and Kyle Backhus opened. Rangel pitched following Walker on Wednesday and went three innings, giving up one run on three hits and did not allow a walk. He struck out five hitters and gave the Phillies a chance to get back into the game, but they failed to do so and lost their eighth straight game.
To fill the roster spot held by Rangel, the Phillies recalled pitcher Nolan Hoffman from Lehigh Valley. Hoffman has posted a 2.35 ERA in seven relief appearances with the IronPigs. Over 7.2 innings he has allowed six hits and four walks while striking out 14 batters.
Different Day, Same Result
The Phillies finished their series in Chicago on Thursday by collecting their ninth straight loss. This time they fell 8-7 in 10 innings when Brad Keller allowed the winning run to score in the bottom of the 10th inning. Starter Cristopher Sanchez struggled through 5.1 innings, giving up 12 hits that led to six earned runs.
The Phillies head to Atlanta and are 9.5 games behind the Braves in the National League East.
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