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Phillies Taijuan Walker Reflects on First Career Save

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated May 8, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Taijuan Walker had thrown over 1,100 innings in his career before Wednesday night. Just a small handful of them were out of the bullpen - and none were to end a game he didn't start.

That changed in his first relief appearance of 2025, where Walker threw three shutout innings, striking out seven Tampa Bay Rays hitters and securing his first career save in the 7-0 win.

After the game, Walker spoke with NBC Sports Philadelphia about the experience and how it differs from his time in the starting rotation.

"It was fun," Walker said. "Felt good, ready, refreshed. Came in, threw strikes, did my job"

Walker make six starts this season before the switch to the bullpen. When asked about how his preparation differs in the new role, he spoke about the uncertainty of when he'd be called upon.

"Just staying ready," Walker said. "From the beginning of the game, I think being a long guy, you have to be ready. Anything can happen, so just be ready from the first inning on and stay loose."

Walker is in the bullpen because of Ranger Suárez's return from the IL. Suárez, who missed all of April while recovering from a lower back injury, was ineffective in his first start back, allowing seven runs in 3.2 innings.

While the Phillies haven't given any indication of it, Walker is staying hopeful that he can return to the rotation sometime this season.

"I feel like I'm still a starter, but it's such a great team, so many great starters, so these things happen."