Taijuan Walker
Walker has had a difficult 2024 season with Philadelphia. He did not make his first start of the year until the end of April due to an injury. He missed all of July after being placed on the IL in June with right index finger inflammation.
When he has been healthy, the right-hander has not been very effective. Walker's 4.78 ERA during May is his lowest of the season to date. During five starts, he totaled 21 punchouts and surrendered 14 earned runs and 10 walks.
During June, Walker finished with a 5.75 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP in four starts. He allowed nine walks, 13 earned runs and had 18 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. The 32-year-old surrendered six home runs including three versus the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 21.
Walker's volatile season continued during his four starts in August, finishing the month with a whopping 9.17 ERA and a 2.09 WHIP. He allowed 18 earned runs including six in consecutive appearances on Aug. 23 against the Kansas City Royals and on Aug. 28 versus the Houston Astros.
The native of Shreveport, Louisiana appeared to be on thin ice following his start versus the Royals. Following Walker's appearance against the Astros, Thomson decided to move the struggling veteran to the bullpen.
Against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sept. 3, the right-hander allowed two earned runs, one home run, and four hits in three innings. Walker is still owed $18 million by the Phillies in each of the next two seasons. Considering how erratic he has been as a starter this year, Philadelphia may move on from him in the offseason.