Taijuan Walker
Finally, we have the tumultuous season of starting pitcher Taijuan Walker. After leading the Phillies in wins last season with 15, Walker has been severely hindered by injuries and command issues throughout 2024 thus far. In 15 starts this year, he has compiled an abysmal 3-7 record with a 7.18 ERA and 1.69 WHIP, giving up 59 earned runs including 22 home runs, 32 walks and 55 strikeouts in 74 innings of work.
With the Phillies hoping that he could rediscover his game, Walker was moved to the bullpen at the end of August where he has since made four appearances, putting up a 6.52 ERA and 1.97 WHIP, giving up seven earned runs on 14 hits over 9 2/3 innings. His ongoing trouble with the long ball has lingered, as he gave up two more during those three games.
When he was recently given another surprising opportunity in the rotation when manager Rob Thomson wanted to preserve the bullpen arms, he flopped once again with a disastrous outing against the New York Mets.
Whatever has been ailing Walker and his pitching effectiveness, it certainly does not look like it will be something that can be resolved right now and could require some intensive work during the offseason to rectify.
With the huge uncertainty in his ability to perform effectively both as a starter and as a reliever at this moment, the Phillies will likely not risk any chances during the postseason. As a result, it could mark the second consecutive season that Walker doesn't see any action in the playoffs.