Aug 18, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
It's going to take more than a few spring starts to convince Phillies fans that Taijuan Walker has returned to form as a major league-caliber starting pitcher.
But so far, so good.
Walker threw 3.1 innings on Saturday in Clearwater against Toronto and allowed four hits, including a home run. The HR accounted for the only run the Blue Jays scored against the righthander. He struck out three and walked none.
Taijuan Walker today: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 43 pitches (28 strikes).
Touched 93.4 mph. pic.twitter.com/nJnDnjlJw4
Perhaps most importantly, Walker topped 93 mph with his four-seam fastball for the second consecutive appearance. He averaged 92.4 mph with the pitch on Saturday, velocity more in the range of his solid 2023 season (avg 92.8 mph) than his nightmarish 2024 campaign (avg 91.2 mph). Walker averaged 93.7 mph with the pitch in 2022, when he went 12-5 for the Mets with a 3.49 ERA in 157.1 innings.
Manager Rob Thomson said last week that Thomson is competing for a job in the Phillies rotation, a remark met with skepticism by many observers. With Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo on the roster and Andrew Painter en route from the minors, it's difficult to see how Walker could win a job. He could be stashed in the bullpen for use in long relief and spot starts, but the team signed Joe Ross for that role in the offseason.
A trade would make sense, if the Phillies can find a willing partner.
Future Yankee Taijuan Walker… https://t.co/zGi9annHTj
Starting pitching is always in demand around the league. That scarcity helped earn Walker a contract that still owes him $36 million over the next two years. If there's a team willing to bet on a comeback and pay some of that cash, the Phillies probably wouldn't ask for much else--if anything--in return.
Walker will find his 2025 role eventually, whether it's in Philadelphia or elsewhere. In the meantime, all he can do is take the mound and try to prove his value.
"The biggest thing for me is I can just control what I can control," Walker said after his first spring start. "Go out there and get results. Pitch the best I can pitch. And whatever happens, happens."
