Indiana defensive coordinator responds to comments from ex-Alabama QB Ty Simpson over Rose Bowl loss
Indiana's Bryant Haines reacts to Ty Simpson's take on Rose Bowl loss
The Philadelphia Phillies have decided not to start Taijuan Walker in their upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. Instead, he will come in as a relief pitcher after an opener due to his struggles this season.
Phillies make their Taijuan Walker decision ahead of Cubs series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In all four of his games started this season, Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker has been disappointing. Signing a four-year ($72 million) contract in December 2022, Walker has gone 24-24 with a 5.08 ERA in 88 games (71 starts).
Due to Walker’s struggles this season, the Phillies and manager Rob Thomson are shaking things up when they play the Chicago Cubs again starting on Monday.
When the Phillies play the Cubs for the second time in a week, Walker will not be one of the Phillies' starting pitchers. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Thomson will use an opener to start the Cubs against the Cubs with Walker coming in relief. The former All-Star (2021) has not been great in the first inning this season, with a 24.75 ERA, allowing 11 earned runs and three home runs.
More News:Mets David Peterson isn't disgruntled about Carlos Mendoza's decision
Walker has proven to be a better reliever in the small sample size of his career, posting a 3.92 ERA in 21 games. This shakeup could be what Walker needs to get back on track.
Since right-hander Zach Pop (strained right calf) is on the injured list — the lone Phillies opener used this season — the Phillies will need to choose another member of the bullpen to start or make a roster move. Right-handers (3.00 ERA) or (16.20) and left-handers (4.15) and (2.45) are all options to open depending on how Cubs manager Craig Counsell deploys his lineup.
Taijuan Walker is not starting against the Cubs due to his disappointing performance this season, including a 24.75 ERA in the first inning.
Taijuan Walker signed a four-year contract worth $72 million with the Phillies in December 2022.
This season, Taijuan Walker has a record of 24-24 with a 5.08 ERA in 88 games, including 71 starts.
Indiana's Bryant Haines reacts to Ty Simpson's take on Rose Bowl loss
Tyler Reddick clinches victory at Kansas, marking his fifth win this season!
Flamengo and Bahia set for crucial match in Brasileirão standings
Voting is now open for the Shreveport Times High School Athlete of the Week!
Detroit Lions assess safety Louis Moore for 2026 NFL Draft amid health concerns.
Gerwyn Price makes history with his 2026 European Darts Grand Prix win!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
More News: