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Rob Thomson Reveals Phillies' Taijuan Walker Plan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 2, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies entered the season with high expectations again. This team is much better than they've played, and if things start to go their way, the Phillies will have an opportunity to compete for the National League East.

Only 3.5 games behind the first-place New York Mets, sitting at 17-14, the Phillies have to feel somewhat confident, given they haven't hit their stride yet.

If one thing has been on their side, the Phillies have been able to keep guys healthy. Yes, they've had injuries, but for the most part, the Phillies have been doing just fine for themselves on that front.

While that's always a positive, there could be some confusion that comes along with it, mainly with Taijuan Walker, who might have to be a sixth starter or a bullpen guy.

When speaking with The Athletics' Matt Gelb, skipper Rob Thomson said that the team has thought about using a six-man rotation, but that decision has yet to be made.

“Possibly,” Thomson said earlier this week. “We’re kind of walking through that a little bit right now.”

Gelb added that Philadelphia likely won't go that route.

"Maybe it’s a consideration, but all indications are the Phillies will not go that route," he wrote.

Walker probably won't want to be in a long reliever role, but Philadelphia isn’t here to please him. If the Phillies had an opportunity to trade him, they’d move on from him in a heartbeat, and perhaps it's more possible now than it was a few months ago, considering he has a 2.78 ERA in 22.2 innings.

It's been a positive sign for the veteran right-hander, but it's far too early to say that he's truly turned things around.

If the Phillies need him to go to the bullpen, that's exactly what he'll do.

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

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