Why Phillies Starting Taijuan Walker Is A Sensible Decision
Taijuan Walker hasn’t been a reliable option in the starting rotation this season. However, Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies will send him back to the mound to face the Houston Astros in the series finale at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday.
“I was encouraged by his (Walker’s) velocity (against the Kansas City Royals on Friday). He threw some pitches down the middle, but he got behind as well. Because of who he is and his experience, he deserves another shot… I’m confident he’s going to bounce back. Maybe not everybody is, but I am. That’s who I am.” -Rob Thomson
Walker had posted a rough 5.60 ERA in 10 starts before his trip to the IL beginning in June. Nearly eight weeks before his next start didn’t change much.
Jayson Stark explained on The Best Show Ever that the prolonged absence was as much about healing Walker’s splitter as it was about healing the blister that sent him to the IL. However, the veteran righty has somehow been worse since his return. He’s allowed 12 earned runs in 11 ⅔ innings over three starts.
The 32-year-old right-hander isn’t the pitcher the Phillies hoped for when they signed him to a four-year, $72 million contract entering the 2023 season.
His performance hasn’t earned him a start for a World Series contender in a playoff race based on merit. Why does he have a spot in the starting rotation for the Phillies then?
The decision is less about a vote of confidence and more about a sensible decision with minimal alternatives in a particular circumstance.
Taijuan Walker Struggling
Critics might reasonably point to Walker’s poor performance as a reason to designate him for assignment, which would force a sunk cost for an organization that still owes him over $36 million in salary through 2026.
However, the decision to keep Taijuan Walker in the starting rotation isn’t a full vote of confidence for a pitcher the Phillies hope to keep through 2026.
When Walker returned from the IL, the organization hoped he could eat some innings to help avoid overworking a pitching staff with their eyes on the postseason.
Thomson had previously spoken about ways to keep his top starters fresh for Red October. He acknowledged that a six-man rotation might help Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, and Cristopher Sanchez gain a few additional off-days to rest for the most critical point in the franchise’s recent history.
Although the six-man rotation now doesn’t look likely, the Phillies are still attempting to use Walker to provide that padding in an unorthodox way despite his poor outings.
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Using Walker on Wednesday allows Sanchez six days between starts. It also slots him against an American League opponent and eliminates a scenario where Walker takes the mound to begin a critical series against the Atlanta Braves.
Thomson’s careful use of the rotation against the Royals also included pushing Zack Wheeler back one day for additional rest before the Phillies optioned Kolby Allard to AAA.
Two of the four starters expecting postseason opportunities will get their extra rest this trip through the rotation without using a true six-man unit because of Thomson’s reshuffle.
The Alternative Options
The Phillies will not and should not accept a lucrative sunk cost over $36 million without identifying a realistic alternative. Who would assume the fifth starter’s role this trip through the rotation if they DFA’d Taijuan Walker?
Allard wouldn’t have pitched before Friday’s game against the Braves if the Phillies had kept him on the MLB roster. It probably would’ve required Sanchez and Suarez to slot forward on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tyler Phillips cannot return to the majors until September 1, 15 days after he was optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley.
Thomson could’ve used a bullpen game at some point to align his starters more favorably. However, he undoubtedly needs to consider their wear and tear coming toward the end of a long season.
Would Michael Mercado, Mick Abel, or Kyle Tyler provide a better option on the mound than Taijuan Walker on Wednesday? It’s possible, but is it sure enough to make such a drastic and permanent financial move?
If Walker struggles early against the Astros, expect Rob Thomson to use a short leash regardless of his public vote of confidence on Monday.
Mercado has replaced Jose Alvarado on the active roster. He’ll be ready if Walker comes out of the gates as poorly as he did at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night.
Phillies Starting Rotation in 2024
What will the Phillies do if Taijuan Walker gets shelled by Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, and a high-powered Astros lineup?
Roster expansion will allow two additional players starting September 1, the same day Phillips is eligible to return.
The South Jersey native appears to be Philadelphia’s best option. Thomson cited fatigue when the Phillies sent Phillips to AAA on August 17. The rookie right-hander had slipped drastically in three starts following his complete game on July 27.
Although he didn’t perform well in his only minor league outing since the demotion, the fatigue would’ve theoretically dwindled in over a month’s span.
The Phillies claimed journeyman Kyle Tyler on August 11. They could choose him over Phillips if they need a short-term fifth starter. Mercado struggled by the end of his first major league stint in July. He’s got plenty left to prove if he wants another MLB start in 2024.
No indicators suggest the organization plans to call up Mick Abel for a start in 2024.
What if Taijuan Walker pitches passably on Wednesday? The Phillies might decide to extend the desired padding for one more trip through the rotation.
Consider that the Phillies don’t see Walker as an option to start a playoff game. It’s very unlikely even if one of their top four starters suffers an injury. They also don’t need him to be anywhere close to the pitcher who commanded a $72 million contract two seasons ago.
However, their decision to send him to the mound makes sense given the particular circumstance. Taijuan Walker lives to see one more day.
