The Philadelphia Phillies spring training games are underway. Their first regular season contest on March 27 is only a few weeks away, and players competing for a roster spot are looking to make a good impression.
Injuries during spring training provide an opportunity for someone else to step up. The latest oblique ailment to utility player Weston Wilson presents an opportunity for Buddy Kennedy, Kody Clemens and others to earn the final bench spot.
What about those players aiming to improve following a rough season? Taijuan Walker is one player trying to rebound, beginning in Clearwater. A portion of the Phillies fanbase is ready for the team to move on from the right-hander. The latest update from manager Rob Thomson will frustrate those fans.
Taijuan Walker has impressed so far during Phillies' spring training, especially in the last update
According to Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the pitcher struck out Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto and Max Kepler in five consecutive plate appearances and Thomson commented on the 32-year-old's performance.
"I'm so proud of him, the work that he's put in," Thomson said, per Seidman. "I mean, he looks better than he did the year he won 15 games (2023) at this point in time. Just physically, his movements, athleticism. The ball's coming out hot and the split's fantastic. He's landing his breaking ball. He was good that year in spring training but I think he's better this year. It's one thing to throw bullpens, but then when you go out there and punch out five guys in a row in a BP session, now you've really got confidence."
Walker needs to build his confidence back gradually following his disastrous season. An outing like this can do that. Pitching solid innings during spring training games will also give him a positive mindset heading into the regular season.
Currently, Walker is outside of Philadelphia's rotation. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez and Jesús Luzardo represent the starting five. If one of the pitchers gets injured before the season, the Shreveport, Louisiana native will be one of the candidates to start games again for the Phillies.
Walker will be a spot starter/reliever if the rotation is healthy. If he is effective in this role, the Phillies' depth at the pitching position improves. Having a solid rotation with spot starters/relievers Joe Ross and the veteran right-hander could give Philly a pitching staff with options. It would be one of their deepest in recent memory. Not to mention if top prospect Andrew Painter is called up to the big league squad during the summer.
Coming off of a 12-win season with the New York Mets in 2022, Walker won 15 games in his first year with Philadelphia the next year. He has shown the ability before last year to be dependable as a fifth starter in a rotation. If he can have a solid spring training, that will give him something to build off of heading into the season.