Phillies decide Taijuan Walker's fate ahead of Cubs series

The Philadelphia Phillies have a problem in their starting rotation.

Since signing his four-year ($72M) contract in the winter of 2022, former All-Star Taijuan Walker (2021) has been a .500 pitcher (24-24) and has notched a unsightly ERA (5.08). 

This season hasn’t been any different for Walker, as his struggles (1-3 with a 9.16 ERA) have led the Phillies and manager Rob Thomson to pull the plug on Walker's role in the starting rotation. 

Phillies opt not to start Taijuan Walker against the Cubs

According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, the Phillies announced ahead of their series finale with the Atlanta Braves that Walker will not start on Wednesday in Chicago. According to Gelb, the Phillies will utilize an opener and Walker will come in relief as the bulk guy. 

Walker’s first-inning struggles contributed to the Phillies' decision to go with an opener instead of the 33-year-old. In four innings to begin a game, Walker has a 24.74 ERA, allowing 11 earned runs, and has given up three home runs in the first inning this season. 

Getting better as the game progresses, Walker has an 11.25 ERA in the second inning, a 4.50 ERA in the third inning, a 0.00 ERA in the fourth inning and a 3.38 ERA in the fifth inning. Walker has not thrown six innings this season. 

Phillies do have options to open depending on Cubs' starting lineup

The Phillies have arms to use in the first couple of innings of Wednesday’s game, depending on how the next few days pan out. The Phillies have had to use a position player to pitch this season, with utility man Dylan Moore making two appearances (5.40 ERA). 

Right-hander Zach Pop was the Phillies' only opener this season when right-hander Andrew Painter could not go due to a migraine. However, Pop is currently on the injured list with a strained right calf. 

Depending on how Cubs manager Craig Counsell deploys his starting lineup, the Phillies could go with a right-hander, as they’ll throw two left-handers (Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez) in the four-game series. Right-handers Chase Shugart (3.00 ERA) and Seth Johnson (16.20) are options.