What is the world is going on with Taijuan Walker? Last year, Walker was a reliable arm for the Philadelphia Phillies. He also had a prior season where he posted some of the best stats of his career. In 2024, however, Walker has been a walking disaster for Philadelphia. The right-handed has struggled mightily this season, allowing runs left and right.
The latest Taijuan Walker disaster came during the Phillies' loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander allowed four runs in four innings at home, walking three and striking out just three batters. It's been a rough few starts for Walker. Now, the team has made the decision to send Taijuan Walker to the injury list.
“The Phillies have placed RHP Taijuan Walker on the 15-day IL (retro to 6/22) with right index finger inflammation. To fill his spot on the 26-man roster, RHP Michael Mercado was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA). Mercado will wear No. 63.”
In his last five starts, Walker has given up 18 runs in 29 1/3 innings pitched. It's been rough for the right-hander, as he's looked the worst he's even been in the last few years. The Phillies were hoping for solid performance from him at worst. Now, he's actively been the reason why they're losing games.
That being said, there could be a physiological reason for his struggles this year. Injuries are often a common and valid explanation for a pitcher's sudden dip in performance. Perhaps the Phillies can use Walker's time off to figure out if previous injuries are troubling him or if he needs a tune-up of sorts.
Phillies' rise to the top
With the Atlanta Braves floundering in the absence of Ronald Acuna Jr, the Phillies have stepped up and taken control of the division. After narrowly missing the World Series last season, this team is determined to win it all this year. They're doing their destruction by means of their strong hitting and a well-rounded pitching staff.
Walker is really the only weak spot in the Phillies rotation. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola have been their usual great selves, posting an ERA+ of 148 and 114, respectively. The true star of the show is Ranger Suarez, who is having a breakout year. Suarez currently holds a bonkers 1.75 ERA, and signs point to this trend continuing on.
On the hitters' side, we have our usual suspects hamming it up on the plate. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber are all playing like All-Stars, as they should be. They are supported by a solid cast of guys in Alec Bohm, JT Realmuto, and Brandon Marsh. Every aspect of the team is working as intended, which is great. There are some rough edges, but nothing that a good trade deadline tinkering can't fix.
The Phillies have consistently found themselves in World Series contention for a few years now. They made it all the way to the World Series two years ago, and then they came up short against the Diamondbacks in the NLCS last season. With Atlanta out of the picture, Philly is in prime position to make another deep playoff run. Can they finally finish the story and win the World Series?
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