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Has Phillies Taijuan Walker Really Figured It Out In 2025?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 10:20 PM ET

Coming into this season, the Phillies were just hoping to get something out of Taijuan Walker.

In his first two starts, he's given a lot more than that.

After shutting out the Colorado Rockies for six innings last Thursday, Walker showed that it might not have been a fluke. Facing the Atlanta Braves on the road, Walker kept his scoreless streak going into the fifth. His final line read: 4.2 IP, five hits, three walks, and five strikeouts, with 54 of 93 pitches thrown for strikes. He also forced one double play ground out and left the bases loaded in the third.

Maybe not Earth-shattering numbers, but another solid performance nonetheless. That's all that a team can ask for out of a fifth starter.

This sudden turnaround may just be a stroke of luck, a small stretch of Walker giving everything he has left in the tank while Philly waits for Ranger Suárez to return. The Rockies aren't exactly a powerhouse, and Walker did get bailed out several times on Wednesday - including by reliever José Ruiz right after he got pulled.

But on the off chance that it it's more, and Taijuan can continue to pitch competently in the rotation, what will the team do?

The Phils have previously tossed around the idea of going to a six-man rotation if and when top prospect Andrew Painter is ready for the show. Could they start that experiment early once Suárez comes back?

With Ranger just beginning his rehab, Taijuan should have at least one more start to make his case. On this current schedule, that would be Monday at home against the San Francisco Giants.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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