Player News
Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters that Taijuan Walker will be moving to the bullpen.
Ranger Suarez is making a return to the Philadelphia rotation Sunday, and as expected, Walker will be the odd-man out. “That doesn’t mean we’re not going to go to a six man at some point,” Thomson added. “But I think we’ll do a five man, at least till the next off day [after Monday].” Walker can be safely dropped in fantasy leagues, but might be worth consideration as a streamer if he gets another chance to start in the coming weeks.
Taijuan Walker pitched well in a losing effort against the Nationals on Thursday, giving up four runs (one earned) on four hits over his 5 2/3 innings.
The right-hander also issued three walks while striking out two on the night. He kept the Nationals’ offense completely at bay through the first five innings, but they utilized three hits, an error, a walk and a couple of stolen bases to scratch out four runs in the sixth inning. Walker got five whiffs on 85 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 25 percent. He now holds a 2.54 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and a 22/13 K/BB ratio over 28 1/3 innings through his first six starts on the season. He could be relegated to a bullpen role with Ranger Suarez set to return over the weekend, unless the Phillies opt to go with a six-man rotation for the time being.
Taijuan Walker was lifted after allowing two runs in three innings Friday against the Cubs.
Walker experienced some shoulder stiffness in leaving his last start early, but the exit today was a result of him needing 86 pitches to get his nine outs. He allowed six hits, walked two and struck out four before departing. If Cristopher Sánchez proves healthy, Walker will likely soon move to middle relief to make room for Ranger Suárez in the rotation. First, he’ll probably get one more start against the Nationals next week.
Taijuan Walker dealt with some shoulder stiffness before exiting his Saturday start after four innings.
It sounds like a very minor issue, and Walker said he expects to be fine for his next start. However, the Phillies do have Ranger Suárez almost ready to replace him in the rotation. Walker has been a great surprise in allowing just five earned runs over 19 2/3 innings to date, but he’s still the only candidate for a demotion in the Phillies rotation.
DFS Last 5
Date | Opponent | Pts |
---|---|---|
May 1st | Nationals | 10.6 |
Apr 25th | @Cubs | 6 |
Apr 19th | Marlins | 8.6 |
Apr 14th | Giants | 9.1 |
Apr 9th | @Braves | 15.1 |