The Philadelphia Phillies released starting pitcher Taijuan Walker on Thursday amid a difficult start to the season that has them tied for last place in the National League East at 8-16.
Walker, 33, compiled a 9.13 ERA and 1-4 record in five appearances (four starts), allowing 36 hits in 22 2/3 innings with 17 strikeouts and 11 walks. He is still owed $15 million on the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract he signed before the 2023 season.
The Phillies could have moved Walker to the bullpen, but he hasn’t performed well in relief, which led to the decision to move on.
Reliever Nolan Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he compiled a 2.35 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.
Releasing Walker looks ahead to the return of Zack Wheeler, scheduled to make his first start of the season against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves (17-8) after recovering from thoracic outlet surgery last September.
In his four seasons with the Phillies, Walker registered a 5.12 ERA and 24-25 record in 89 appearances (71 starts) and 402 2/3 innings, striking out an average of 6.7 batters per nine. His best performance was during his first year in Philadelphia, when he finished with a 15-6 record and 4.38 ERA in 31 starts.
With the remaining $15 million owed to Walker, the Phillies will now be paying $35 million to players no longer on their roster. The team owed $20 million to outfielder Nick Castellanos, who was released before spring training.
