The Philadelphia Phillies are shifting veteran pitcher Taijuan Walker to the bullpen in an effort to spark the team amid a four-game losing streak that threatens to derail their season.
The decision follows a rough outing by fellow starter Jesús Luzardo, who allowed 12 runs to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, prompting a series of roster adjustments.
Walker, in the third year of his $72 million deal, last took the mound on Friday against Milwaukee, surrendering seven hits and four runs across four innings. The 32-year-old has appeared in 10 games this season—eight as a starter—compiling a 2-4 record with a 3.53 ERA.
In a potentially tough pill to swallow, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Walker will initially be used in one-inning stints out of the bullpen—a major change for a pitcher who has spent most of his career as a starter.
Top prospect Mick Abel will replace Walker in the rotation, with his next start scheduled for Thursday. Abel, who was recently promoted to the majors, is making the transition in the opposite direction—into a starting role.
Despite the recent skid, Philadelphia remains just one game behind the division-leading New York Mets and holds the top National League Wild Card position. However, with just two wins in their past several games, the Phillies are making aggressive moves to stabilize the team.
They currently lead the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants—both tied for the final Wild Card spot—by three games.
Leave a Reply