Taijuan Walker

Fantasy News

• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Lands on IL with finger issue

  Rotowire Jun 23, 2024

  The Phillies placed Walker on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to right index finger inflammation. Walker's move to the IL comes after he labored through four innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Friday, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks over four innings. Across 10 starts this season, the 31-year-old right-hander is 3-3 with a 5.60 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 43:21 K:BB across 53 innings. The Phillies brought up Michael Mercado from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take over Walker's spot on the 26-man active roster, but Mercado is expected to work as a long man out of the bullpen while Spencer Turnbull moves back into the rotation in Walker's stead.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Allows three homers in loss

  Rotowire Jun 21, 2024

  Walker (3-3) took the loss to the Diamondbacks on Friday, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts over four innings. Walker allowed three home runs, including back-to-back homers by Gabriel Moreno and Joc Pederson in the third inning. Walker generated only four swings on 77 pitches, including just one whiff with his splitter. The right-hander has failed to record a win or quality start since May 11 and owns a 5.60 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 43:21 K:BB over 53 innings. He lines up to face the Tigers next week.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Allows three runs in loss

  Rotowire Jun 15, 2024

  Walker dropped to 3-2 on the season in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Orioles, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Walker was given an early 2-0 lead, but the Orioles chipped away with a sacrifice fly in the third inning and a solo home run by Anthony Santander in the fourth. Santander then broke the tie with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Walker was pulled with one out to go in the frame at 92 pitches. Walker has pitched into the sixth inning in his past two starts but has not recorded a quality start or a win since May 11. On the season, he now owns a 5.33 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB in 49 innings and tentatively lines up to start next weekend against the Diamondbacks.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Tough-luck end to great start

  Rotowire Jun 9, 2024

  Walker did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against the Mets. He struck out six. Walker cruised through five innings, allowing just one baserunner while maintaining a three-run lead. In the sixth, after having allowed a one-out base hit and a two-out walk, and with left-handed Brandon Nimmo coming to the plate, Walker was pulled at just 79 pitches in favor of lefty Gregory Soto. Soto proceeded to allow both inherited runners plus an additional run to score, not only saddling Walker with two earned runs but also allowing the Mets to tie the game, thus ending Walker's opportunity to record his fourth win. It was a bit of an unlucky ending for Walker, who pitched very well Sunday after having allowed 12 earned runs over 15.2 innings during his previous three starts. He's next scheduled to take the hill in a tough matchup next weekend when the Phillies travel to Baltimore to take on the Orioles.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Getting start in London

  Rotowire Jun 5, 2024

  Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Walker will start Sunday's game against the Mets in London, Dan Gelston of the Associated Press reports. Though he'll be getting his eighth start of the season Sunday, Walker's standing in the rotation seems to be on unsteady ground while he's produced a 5.73 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 30:15 K:BB in 37.2 innings since returning in late April from a season-opening stint on the injured list. Manager Rob Thomson gave Walker a vote of confidence Tuesday, though the skipper stressed that the right-hander needs to show improved command in his subsequent outings in order to maintain his spot. Walker's four-year, $72 million contract gives him some level of job security, but it doesn't help his case that Spencer Turnbull dazzled over six starts in April (1.67 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings) before moving to the bullpen upon the veteran's southpaw's return from the IL. Another shaky performance in London would put Walker at increased risk of losing his starting job to Turnbull.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Escapes with no-decision

  Rotowire Jun 2, 2024

  Walker allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over five innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Sunday. Walker served up two-run home runs to Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson, but the Phillies were able to match the Cardinals through five innings. This was the second time this year Walker's allowed multiple homers, and he's also issued multiple walks in four straight outings. He's at a 5.73 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 30:15 K:BB over 37.2 innings across seven starts this season. The right-hander's next start is projected to be versus the Mets in the London Series, though it's possible the Phillies could shuffle their rotation given their three off days for travel surrounding the overseas journey. Staff ace Zack Wheeler would be on regular rest for that two-game set after pitching Monday versus the Brewers.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Takes first loss Monday

  Rotowire May 27, 2024

  Walker (3-1) took the loss against San Francisco on Monday, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits and two walks while striking out four batters over six innings. The positive is that Walker was able to complete six frames for the first time in his past three starts, but he was far from effective in doing so. The right-hander gave up a season-high nine hits, while the five earned runs were the most he's allowed since his season debut April 28. Despite Walker's adequate 3-1 record, he's been unimpressive with a 5.51 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 25:12 K:BB over 32.2 innings on the season.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Struggles with command

  Rotowire May 22, 2024

  Walker didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against Texas, allowing three runs on six hits and four walks across 4.2 innings. He struck out five. Walker issued a season-high four walks Wednesday, two of which came in the fifth inning before he was yanked. After taking a comebacker off the foot in his last start end exiting early, Walker threw 86 pitches and didn't seem to be limited in any capacity. Although the 31-year-old owns a 5.06 ERA across 26.2 innings, he holds a 3-0 record and hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since his 2024 debut. He's projected to make his next start Monday at the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Expects to be ready for next start

  Rotowire May 19, 2024

  Walker (toe) is expected to be ready to make his next scheduled start Wednesday at home versus the Rangers, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Walker suffered a toe injury in his last start Thursday versus the Mets, exiting the contest in the fourth inning, but he now appears ready to go for his next outing. The right-hander has produced a 4.91 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 16 strikeouts over 22 innings in four starts this season. Prior to getting hurt, he had logged back-to-back quality starts, and he'll look to get back on track against Texas.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Testing foot Sunday

  Rotowire May 18, 2024

  Walker (foot) will throw a light bullpen session Sunday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Walker was forced out of his last start Thursday versus the Mets after taking a comebacker off his left foot. Once he gets a chance to throw off a mound Sunday, the Phillies will make a decision on whether or not the 31-year-old righty will make his next scheduled start -- tentatively scheduled for Wednesday against the Rangers. If the Phillies deem Walker unfit to start, Spencer Turnbull would return to the rotation.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Slated to throw Monday

  Rotowire May 17, 2024

  Walker (toe) is scheduled to do some throwing Monday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Walker had to depart Thursday's start against the Mets after he took a comebacker off his left foot. He was not able to move his injured toe Thursday but is feeling better Friday. Walker's status for his next start -- tentatively slated for Wednesday at home versus the Rangers -- is up in the air. Spencer Turnbull would step back into the rotation if Walker remains sidelined.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: No broken bones

  Rotowire May 16, 2024

  X-rays came back negative on Walker's left foot after he was forced to exit Thursday's start against the Mets in the fourth inning, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. Walker was hit by a line drive in the fourth inning and limped off the mound. The initial diagnosis was a bruise, and the negative X-rays are also a good sign. Even so, the Phillies are unsure if he will be able to take his next turn through the rotation.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Diagnosed with bruise

  Rotowire May 16, 2024

  Walker was diagnosed with a left foot bruise after exiting Thursday's start against the Mets, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. Walker exited after being struck by a line drive and limped off the field. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but he is currently undergoing imaging which should clarify his outlook. Spencer Turnbull could be reinserted into the rotation should Walker miss any time.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Early exit from Thursday's start

  Rotowire May 16, 2024

  Walker exited Thursday's start against the Mets after being struck in the left foot by a line drive, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. Walker had completed 3.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out only one. It's unclear if the injury will affect his ability to take his next turn through the rotation, but he'll likely undergo imaging on either Thursday night or Friday.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Moves to 3-0

  Rotowire May 11, 2024

  Walker (3-0) earned the win Saturday against the Marlins, yielding just one run on eight hits and one walk over six frames. He struck out four. Walker went at least six innings for the third time in three starts since he returned from the injured list, and he's picked up the victory in all three of those outings. The backing of the Phillies' offense has helped, of course, as Walker is sporting a 4.82 ERA. Regardless he's trending in the right direction with back-to-back quality starts. He'll attempt to move his record to 4-0 next week against either the Mets or Nationals at home.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Handles Giants for win No. 2

  Rotowire May 6, 2024

  Walker (2-0) earned the win over the Giants on Sunday, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out seven over 6.1 innings. The Giants got to Walker in the opening frame with a run, but he was able to silence them the rest of the way until Thairo Estrada crushed a two-run blast in the seventh to make it a 5-3 ballgame and end Walker's night. Walker has now carried strong outings into the seventh in back-to-back starts to open up the season but hasn't quite been able to seal the deal. He has a 3.00 ERA through innings 1-6 and a 67.50 ERA in the seventh frame. His spot in the rotation is secure after the Phillies announced Spencer Turnbull would be operating as a bulk relief option moving forward. Walker owns a 6.39 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB in 12.2 innings and lines up to face the Marlins on the road his next time out.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Earns win despite shaky debut

  Rotowire Apr 29, 2024

  Walker (1-0) picked up the win over the Padres on Sunday, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over 6.1 innings. The Padres piled on all six of their runs in just two innings. They got to Walker for three runs in the third with Fernando Tatis doubling home Jurickson Profar before coming home on a two-run blast from Jake Cronenworth. Walker was able to cruise into the seventh where he ran into more trouble, as the Padres added three more runs on a home run from Luis Campusano to make it a 7-6 game. His day would end there and he was able to squeak by with an ugly win. He'll look for some better results next time and is projected to take the mound next weekend against the Giants.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Activated for season debut

  Rotowire Apr 28, 2024

  The Phillies reinstated Walker (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start against the Padres on Sunday. The veteran right-hander will make his season debut Sunday in San Diego after he missed the first month of the season with a shoulder issue. Walker threw 102 pitches over 6.1 innings during his final rehab appearance, so he likely won't face any significant limitations in his first MLB outing of 2024.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Reaches seventh inning in rehab start

  Rotowire Apr 22, 2024

  Walker (shoulder) struck out one and allowed four earned runs on seven hits and three walks over 6.1 innings in the third start of his rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Though he's struck out just two batters while walking six over his last two rehab appearances with Lehigh Valley, Walker appears ready to return from the 15-day injured list from a workload standpoint. He tossed 102 pitches while reaching the seventh inning in Sunday's outing, making him an option to rejoin the Philadelphia rotation as soon as this upcoming weekend in San Diego if the Phillies elect to bring him back. The Phillies are expected to maintain a five-man rotation upon Walker's return, with Spencer Turnbull likely to move to the bullpen in spite of his strong start to the season (1.23 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 22:7 K:BB in 22 innings), according to MLB.com reports.

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• Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Will make another rehab start

  Rotowire Apr 19, 2024

  Walker (shoulder) will make one more rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday before rejoining the Phillies' rotation, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. The Phillies had considered having Walker make his next appearance with the big club, but they opted to give him one more tune-up. That sets Walker up for his season debut next weekend in San Diego. Spencer Turnbull has pitched well in his place but could lose his rotation spot once Walker returns.

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