Phillies Skipper Makes Taijuan Walker Admission After Last Outing

It's important praise to hear at this point as Ranger Suárez is expected to make his return to the mound Sunday. Walker only made the Phillies rotation because of Suárez's back injury, and he could potentially be moving to a long-relief role soon.

On the other hand, Taijuan has been much better than expected after a horrible 2024 campaign. He's pitched to a 2.54 ERA with 22 strikeouts and a 1.34 WHIP in 28.1 innings. One could argue he's done enough to keep his spot as a starter.

"He's pitched great. He really has," Thomson said. "The work he did in the offseason (paid off)... He's not throwing his four-seam as much, but because of the added velocity, all the other stuff is playing up."

Thomson has considered moving to a six-man rotation - something that's expected later this year if/when top prospect Andrew Painter is called up - but hasn't committed to it yet.

The downside of an expanded rotation means Philly would only carry seven bullpen arms, and with the current state of that unit, it's a risky gamble to make.

Regardless of Thomson's decision, it's a fair assumption to make that Walker has earned some kind of role with the Phillies moving forward. After months of questioning whether they would have to cut him and his half-completed contract loose, he's done enough to keep wearing his jersey.