Taijuan Walker Has Won Last Three Starts Since Return From IL

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker has wasted no time making an impact on his team since returning from the injured list this season.

Walker’s 2024 season started with him on the IL due to right shoulder soreness and the Phillies wanted to make sure to take the necessary precautions with the 31-year-old.

Since returning from the IL back in April, Walker has won his last three starts, a positive sign for Philadelphia.

 

In his last outing against the Miami Marlins on May 11, he went 6 1/3 innings, allowing only one run and one walk while striking out four.

Going into the game, Walker carried a 6.39 ERA and after the game, it lowered to 4.82.

“I felt my stuff was good. They were swinging it early and got some quick outs,” Walker said. “Our offense has been rolling one through nine. My job was to go out there and try to put up as many zeros as possible because I knew they were going to put up runs.”

The Phillies are one of the hottest teams in the league and Walker will look to continue to be consistent as a starter and put his team in position to win games.

Despite missing part of the first half of the season, Walker was ready to get back out there on the mound when his number was called.

He made his debut on April 28 against the San Diego Padres. Though he allowed six runs, he picked up the win while striking out four.

“Everything felt good,” Walker said about his debut start. “The splitter wasn’t very good today, but I threw the slider well. Had two walks, and those two walks extended the innings. I got hurt by it. I had good life; ball was coming out well.”

Philadelphia’s manager Rob Thomson liked what he saw out of Walker in his first start of the season.

“I thought he was good,” he said. “I was encouraged by the velocity. Threw strikes. For his first outing of the season, I thought it was fine.”

Walker 18-6 During Philly Stint 

Walker has had a lot of success during his time in Philadelphia. Through 34 starts, he has an 18-6 record.

His 15 wins last season are the most in his career.

Though Walker led his teams in wins last season, he did not make a single appearance in the postseason.

This season, the Phillies have a strong chance to make it back to the postseason and Walker could add a lot of value to the starting rotation come postseason time.

But for now, he is going to focus on the regular season and look to remain healthy so he can continue to go out there and put together impressive performances.

The last two seasons, Walker has put together winning records, and he’ll look to keep that streak going.

If Walker can continue to win games and have performances like his recent outing, he may find himself being named to his second all-star team.