Taijuan Walker, the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, has struggled this season. Despite the team’s success, Walker has a 6.54 ERA across 14 starts. Following another disappointing start on Wednesday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson spoke candidly about Walker’s position in the starting rotation, according to Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation.
“Rob Thomson said ‘we gotta talk about it’ in regards to Taijuan Walker’s rotation spot,” Kelly wrote on social media.
The comments come following the Phillies’ 10-0 loss to the Astros on Wednesday. Walker pitched six innings, allowing 13 hits and six earned runs. The offence did not help matters, as Houston starter Spencer Araghetti entered the eighth inning with a no-hitter. Philadelphia still won the series because to their victories in the first two games.
Next up for the Phillies is a huge series against the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta’s ten-game division advantage has been reduced to 5.5 games heading into Wednesday’s game against the Twins. A three-game sweep might result in a tumultuous September in the National League East.
This prospective division competition is entirely due to the Phillies’ dismal performance since the All-Star break. They are 16-19 since the break, losing two games to the Braves and three and a half to the Mets during that time. A lot of it boils down to pitching, which has struggled outside of standout Zach Wheeler.
If the Phillies want to return to the National League Championship Series for the third consecutive year, they need to straighten out their pitching rotation. Who will come up to help them win the division and make a playoff run?
The Phillies need pitching help due to Taijuan Walker’s troubles.
The Phillies’ starting rotation is anchored by one of the league’s best arms. Zach Wheeler is once again in contention for the National League Cy Young Award, with a 2.74 ERA and 150 ERA+. The Phillies spent a lot of money in free agency to get this ace-caliber pitcher, and Wheeler is delivering at 34 years old.
Aaron Nola, a homegrown star, has continued his impressive career. His 3.30 ERA is much lower than previous year’s 4.46. He was a major cause of the problems that arose immediately following the break. The Phillies went 0-5 in his first five starts due to his 4.55 ERA. Nola has recently settled in, including a seven-inning shutout on Tuesday against the Astros.
Ranger Suarez’s recent injury interrupted his Cy Young campaign, and Cristopher Sánchez has performed admirably as a middle-of-the-rotation option. One of these two pitchers must step up and become an ace down the stretch. If Walker leaves the rotation, the team will need each of its four remaining starters to pitch in key situations for the next two months.
The Phillies’ staff’s success is dependent on Spencer Turnbull’s health. He was placed on the injured list in June due to a calf injury and is eligible to return after 60 days. He encountered a speed bump and will not be activated immediately, but should be available soon. While he is unlikely to be a starter when he returns, Walker’s length out of the bullpen will be critical if he cannot overcome his troubles.
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