Phillies release pitcher Taijuan Walker
Inquirer.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Philadelphia Phillies have released pitcher Taijuan Walker after he posted a 9.13 ERA this season, despite attempts to adjust his routine and role on the team.
- Walker, in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract, struggled overall with a 5.12 ERA in his Phillies tenure and a low 16.8% whiff rate this season, ranking in the bottom 8% of MLB pitchers.
- The team considered moving Walker to the bullpen but decided against it, opting instead to promote minor league pitchers like Alan Rangel and Nolan Hoffman to add depth.
- The Phillies will still owe Walker $15.3 million for the remainder of the season, minus any amount if he signs with another team, reflecting ongoing financial commitments similar to other released players like Nick Castellanos.
- Phillies manager Rob Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski emphasized Walker's professionalism and contributions, despite his recent struggles, and addressed team issues such as hitting difficulties against left-handed pitchers and recent hiring of a left-handed batting practice pitcher.
