Taijuan Walker Inks Minor League Deal with Angels

Walker was designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies on April 24 after struggling mightily as both a starter and reliever.

The right-hander logged a 1-4 record in five games (four starts) with a dismal 9.13 ERA, 2.07 WHIP and just 17 strikeouts in 22.2 innings pitched. Following his rough outing against the Chicago Cubs on April 22, allowing five earned runs on eight hits in just four innings, the Phillies opted to cut ties with Walker, who was in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract he signed with the club in December 2022.

The Angels' starting rotation this season has been anchored by José Soriano, who cemented himself as the undisputed ace of their staff thus far. Over 11 starts. Soriano is 6-3 with a 2.44 ERA and an impressive WHIP of 1.07.

Aside from Soriano, however, Los Angeles has been snake-bitten by injuries and staff struggles. Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is currently on the 60-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation, which may keep him out until at least July. Reid Detmers has struggled to a 5.07 ERA in his 10 outings and Alek Manoah was recently optioned to Triple-A.

Newcomer Grayson Rodriguez has been limited to just two starts this season since coming over from the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason. He began the year on the IL with right shoulder inflammation.

Walker will now look to regain his footing with the Angels. After he reports to their complex in Arizona in the coming weeks, the next destination for the 33-year-old is likely their Triple-A squad in Salt Lake City before they decide if he deserves a spot in the Angels' rotation.