2026 Transactions: Phillies Release Walker, Braves Call Up Carrasco

With Zack Wheeler coming back this weekend, the Phillies will hope that he can find his stellar form before his thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Before his activation, the Phillies released Taijuan Walker on the 23rd after what’s been a very difficult run for the righty this season.

Walker released

The Phillies released pitcher Taijuan Walker on April 23, putting the team on the hook for the rest of his salary and ending what was a complicated three plus year tenure with the team.

Walker’s last outing with the Phillies came on April 22 against the Cubs. The right-hander came out of the bullpen after Kyle Backhus served as the opener for Philadelphia. He gave up eight hits (two home runs) and four runs over four innings.

He had his ups and downs with the team. But this season, his production was very much down. Among starting pitchers with 20+ IP thrown this season, Walker’s 9.13 ERA was worst in the MLB. His 3.2 HR/9 was second-worst, behind only Nationals pitcher Zack Littell (4.0).

Additionally, the Phillies recalled pitcher Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A and optioned Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley.

Carrasco added to Braves’ roster

Amidst all the hype surrounding JR Ritchie and his MLB debut on April 23, the Braves made another roster move on the day. The Braves selected the contract of pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Carrasco, who pitched last year with the Braves, has put up good numbers in Triple-A this season. The right-hander struck out 18 over 21 innings, along with an ERA of 1.71. That ERA was good for sixth-best in the International League.

Didier Fuentes was optioned back to Triple-A.

Other notes

Per the New York Post, the Mets will call up infielder Ronny Mauricio to replace Francisco Lindor on the active roster. Lindor is expected to go on the IL.

Rockies reliever Jimmy Herget was placed on the paternity list. Seth Halvorsen was recalled from Triple-A.

The White Sox selected Tyler Davis‘ contract from Triple-A Charlotte. Lucas Sims was designated for assignment.