Left-hander Josh Walker was designated for assignment recently by Toronto and then dealt to the Phillies for cash considerations. The move brings some cheap potential bullpen insurance for Philadelphia as they look to improve on their bullpen situation in the wake of Jose Alvarado‘s suspension.

Walker, 30, has some major league experience but it has not always gone well for him. Walker spent parts of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Mets and pitched in three games earlier this season with Toronto. His experience adds up to 27 relief appearances in the majors with a 6.59 ERA. As a major leaguer, Walker has posted a higher than average walk rate of 10.9 percent and a slightly better than average strikeout percentage of 24.2. Meanwhile, opponents have hit .297 against him.

After acquiring Walker, the Phillies optioned him to Lehigh Valley.

Walker first reached Triple-A in 2021 with the Mets who drafted him in the 37th round of the 2017 Draft out of the University of New Haven. The Mets dealt Walker to Pittsburgh in July of 2024 and he spent the remainder of the season with Triple-A Indianapolis before becoming a free agent in November of 2024. Walker signed with Toronto as a free agent last December. To make room for Walker on the IronPigs roster pitcher Gabe Mosser was placed on the Developmental List.