Can Philadelphia Phillies Afford to Depend On Walker Moving Forward?

The Philadelphia Phillies have had their struggles in the rotation this season, none more so than Taijuan Walker. Can the team continue to depend on him moving forward?

Andy Jasner | May 24, 2023

Can Philadelphia Phillies Afford to Depend On Walker Moving Forward? /

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Philadelphia Phillies

It was becoming natural to question whether the Philadelphia Phillies made a smart move in signing Taijuan Walker to a $72 million contract in the offseason.

After all, Walker had been ineffective in recent outings and his command was erratic.

Not much was going right.

Until Sunday.

Walker started on three days rest and allowed two hits and three walks and struck out three in 5 1/3 scoreless innings.

Walker was dreadful in his last start against the San Francisco Giants in which he threw 40 pitches and failed to get out of the first inning.

“Honestly, I just wanted to attack the zone today,” Walker said after the Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-1.

Walker never had never started on three days rest in his career.

Manager Rob Thomson made the decision and it worked in a big way.

“I didn’t want to do it by text or by phone,” Thomson said. “I wanted to see his body language when I asked him.”

Walker wasn’t perfect but he felt fresh.

“Just being aggressive in the zone,” Walker said. “I know I had the three walks, but for the most part everything was in the zone. I got early, quick outs and just made them put the ball in play.”

If the Phillies harbor aspirations of making another deep playoff run, they’re going to need Walker to flourish in the rotation.

Walker had a 9.45 ERA over his previous five starts.

This start on Sunday was much improved.

The goal now is to keep the positive momentum going forward.

If he can succeed with that, then the Phillies may finally be able to depend on Walker moving forward.

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Published May 24, 2023

ANDY JASNER

Andy Jasner is a freelance writer based in the Philadelphia area. Jasner graduated from Syracuse University in 1991 and has worked for newspapers, magazines and websites including CBS SportsLine and ESPN.com. Jasner has written two books -- Baltimore Ravens and Phil Jasner: On The Case. Follow him on Twitter at @AndyJasner.