Time: 2024-06-24
The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that Taijuan Walker has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right index finger inflammation. This move is retroactive to June 22. Walker has been struggling this season, with a 5.60 ERA across 10 starts. His splitter, usually his most potent weapon, has been impacted by a blister on his finger, leading to difficulties in commanding the pitch. The Phillies called up Michael Mercado from Lehigh Valley to fill Walker's spot on the roster.
Spencer Turnbull will be moving from the bullpen back into the starting rotation to replace Walker. He is set to start on Wednesday against the team that drafted him. Turnbull had a successful start to the season with a 1.67 ERA in six starts before being sent to the bullpen in May. Manager Rob Thomson expects Turnbull to pitch around 70 pitches in his upcoming start.
The Phillies have expressed concern over Walker's situation, with his velocity dropping and struggles with his splitter affecting his performance. Walker's absence from the rotation has provided a much-needed opportunity for Turnbull to showcase his skills once again. The team is hoping for a strong performance from Turnbull to fill the void left by Walker's injury.
It remains unclear how much time Walker will miss due to his finger blister. Manager Rob Thomson emphasized the importance of Walker being able to throw his splitter effectively. While Walker's absence is temporary, the team is prepared to give him the necessary time to recover. Turnbull's return to the rotation presents a new opportunity for him to prove his capabilities as a reliable starter.
The Phillies are closely monitoring Walker's progress and are focused on his recovery. With Mercado ready to step in and contribute, the team is maintaining a level of flexibility in their pitching rotation. Despite the challenges faced by Walker, the Phillies remain optimistic about his future contributions once he is back to full health.
Business
