Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Tough-luck end to great start
Rotowire
Walker did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against the Mets. He struck out six.
Walker cruised through five innings, allowing just one baserunner while maintaining a three-run lead. In the sixth, after having allowed a one-out base hit and a two-out walk, and with left-handed Brandon Nimmo coming to the plate, Walker was pulled at just 79 pitches in favor of lefty Gregory Soto. Soto proceeded to allow both inherited runners plus an additional run to score, not only saddling Walker with two earned runs but also allowing the Mets to tie the game, thus ending Walker's opportunity to record his fourth win. It was a bit of an unlucky ending for Walker, who pitched very well Sunday after having allowed 12 earned runs over 15.2 innings during his previous three starts. He's next scheduled to take the hill in a tough matchup next weekend when the Phillies travel to Baltimore to take on the Orioles.
Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Walker will start Sunday's game against the Mets in London, Dan Gelston of the Associated Press reports.
Though he'll be getting his eighth start of the season Sunday, Walker's standing in the rotation seems to be on unsteady ground while he's produced a 5.73 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 30:15 K:BB in 37.2 innings since returning in late April from a season-opening stint on the injured list. Manager Rob Thomson gave Walker a vote of confidence Tuesday, though the skipper stressed that the right-hander needs to show improved command in his subsequent outings in order to maintain his spot. Walker's four-year, $72 million contract gives him some level of job security, but it doesn't help his case that Spencer Turnbull dazzled over six starts in April (1.67 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings) before moving to the bullpen upon the veteran's southpaw's return from the IL. Another shaky performance in London would put Walker at increased risk of losing his starting job to Turnbull.
Phillies' Taijuan Walker: Escapes with no-decision
Rotowire
Walker allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over five innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Sunday.
Walker served up two-run home runs to Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson, but the Phillies were able to match the Cardinals through five innings. This was the second time this year Walker's allowed multiple homers, and he's also issued multiple walks in four straight outings. He's at a 5.73 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 30:15 K:BB over 37.2 innings across seven starts this season. The right-hander's next start is projected to be versus the Mets in the London Series, though it's possible the Phillies could shuffle their rotation given their three off days for travel surrounding the overseas journey. Staff ace Zack Wheeler would be on regular rest for that two-game set after pitching Monday versus the Brewers.
