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Polarizing Phillies Pitcher Reluctant to Embrace New Bullpen Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 4:30 PM ET

With the Philadelphia Phillies having seven capable starting pitchers poised to start in 2025, it's no surprise that there will be tough decisions made with the pitchers at the back-end of that rotation.

Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Aaron Nola have roles solidified when they're healthy and on the roster. After Jesus Luzardo's scorching hot start, he is also likely to retain his spot as a starter, even with his recent rough outings.

That's a full five-man rotation, and it doesn't even include top Phillies prospect Andrew Painter, who's expected to get the call to the big leagues in July, and Mick Abel, who's flashed in his first three starts. But, even after seven quality starter options, there's one more player who is a typical starter, who isn't in a starter role anymore: Taijuan Walker.

In an article from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Walker was asked about his new role of coming out of the bullpen and how he's adjusting to that new role. Walker's answer wasn't energetic and showcased his reluctance to embrace his new role.

"I mean, I'm accepting the challenge," said Walker. "So yeah. I mean, I'm going to go out there and do the best I can and compete and do what's needed, I guess. Kind of just go from there."

Walker's answer was in response to a question asking if he's enjoying the challenge of his new role. While Walker can be frustrated over his new role of coming out of the bullpen, showing his dissatisfaction to reporters ins't a good look.

So far in 2025, Walker has bounced between being a starter and a reliever. But, amid the injury to Aaron Nola, the Phillies decided to shift Walker to the bullpen full-time.

On the year, Walker has a decent 3.69 ERA. While nothing incredible, he's been an above league-average pitcher in 2025. He began the year as a starter and was off to a strong start. Through his first six appearances, he had a 2.54 ERA and 22 strikeouts across 28.1 innings pitched.

But he was then tasked with bullpen duty. After two three-inning outings out of the bullpen, one scoreless and the other allowing three runs, Walker got two more opportunities to start. He went nine innings and had a 7.00 ERA, more than double his ERA to begin the year as a starter.

Since then, he's been a full-time reliever and has a 6.00 ERA in three innings pitched with a blown save and a loss. The bullpen role hasn't worked for Walker. He made his feelings clear: he hasn't enjoyed his new role.

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

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