Taijuan Walker’s recent remarks indicate the Philadelphia Phillies might have to rethink their revised pitching rotation sooner than expected.
The veteran right-hander didn’t hide his lack of enthusiasm about being shifted to the bullpen.
Speaking candidly about manager Rob Thomson’s decision to remove him from the starting rotation following Ranger Suárez’s return from a back issue, Walker admitted he’s not thrilled with the move but understands he has limited control over the situation.
“There’s not really a way to handle it, since I don’t decide when I pitch,” Walker said, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lochlahn March. “All I can do is stay ready whenever I’m called.”
Taijuan Walker’s dissatisfaction with bullpen move raises questions about Phillies’ pitching rotation
A proven veteran with over ten years in the Majors and an All-Star selection under his belt, Walker appears to feel slighted—and understandably so. Manager Rob Thomson’s recent decision doesn’t reflect the right-hander’s performance this season. At 32, Walker has been impressive, posting a 2.54 ERA, a 1.341 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts over 28.1 innings.
Though Walker has been moved to the bullpen before—most recently with the Phillies last year—this situation feels different. In 2024, he was struggling, and the move was seen as a last-ditch effort. But this time, it’s not a reflection of poor performance.
The Phillies are desperate to fix their bullpen woes, currently tied with the Dodgers and Red Sox for the most blown saves in the league (eight). Turning to Walker is a strategic internal fix, which could be seen as a compliment. Still, it’s understandable that he views it as a step back.
Thomson hasn’t ruled out using a six-man rotation in the future, but Walker doesn’t seem to be counting on it. For now, the veteran is focused on adapting, even if he’s clearly not thrilled about the situation.
“It’s definitely going to be different,” Walker said of adjusting his routine. “When you know your start day, you can plan your schedule over four or five days. Now, it’s more about figuring out my stretching and staying mentally locked in.”