The boo birds showed up early to welcome Taijuan Walker and the Philadelphia Phillies back to Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday. Fans in attendance for the first game of a six-game homestand saw the Miami Marlins jump out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
It was Walker’s first start in over seven weeks after being reinstated from the injured list earlier in the day. It didn’t start how the sliding Phillies needed it to start.
Boo birds welcome Taijuan Walker, Phillies back to Citizens Bank Park
After issuing a pair of barely competitive walks with one out, fans started getting restless and boos could be heard smattered around the ball park. The veteran right-hander threw 11 of his first 15 pitches for balls before giving up a pair of RBI singles.
Otto adds to the lead! pic.twitter.com/KtJqmUqc0I
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) August 13, 2024
After cruising through the second inning with three straight outs, the boo birds returned in the third inning when Walker issued a solo home run to the hot-hitting Marlins’ third baseman Jake Burger to put the Phillies down 3-0. That was followed by another walk before he managed to extricate himself from the inning.
Walker finished up his night after four innings, allowing the three runs on four hits. He threw 44 of his 76 pitches for strikes, finishing with five strikeouts and three walks. He averaged 91.1 mph with the sinker, topping out at 92.8. His four-seam fastball maxed out at 92.9 mph, averaging 91.9.
It didn’t help that the Phillies offense couldn’t get much going against Miami starter Valente Bellozo, managing three hits while Walker was in the game.
Phillies fans have every right to be antsy. It’s entirely understandable after watching the Phillies stumble through a 4-6 road trip, adding to their dismal 8-17 record since July 12.
Their current skid has seen them lose the best record in the National League to the Los Angeles Dodgers and they’re in danger of dropping behind the Milwaukee Brewers.