4) Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker is proving his cold spring was a fluke
For a while, it looked like Taijuan Walker's spring training was going to carry over to the regular season in what's his first as a Philadelphia Phillie.
In his three spring starts, Walker allowed eight runs in 9.1 innings pitched. He allowed three home runs and walked five, looking like a shell of the pitcher who was solid for a couple of years as a Met.
That rough start carried into the regular season, as through his first six starts his ERA sat at 6.97. In his last 12 starts, he has a 2.79 ERA in 12 starts. The Phillies have gone 10-2 in those starts, and Walker has lowered his ERA to 4.02 on the season.
It hasn't been smooth sailing, but a 4.02 ERA with an upward trajectory heading into the break is solid, and with the Phillies going 13-5 in his starts, he's been a worthwhile addition. After getting crucified by Phillies fans for his poor start, Walker has earned an apology from his doubters.
This rotation has some questions, particularly at the back end, but Walker proving he wasn't a huge bust after a horrific spring has been a much-needed development for the Phillies.