Taijuan Walker's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (finger) doesn't have a timetable for a return right now, but it "won't be before the All-Star break," according to manager Rob Thomson. With right-hander Spencer Turnbull (lat) now out six to eight weeks with a lat strain, the next man up is pitching prospect Michael Mercado, who should get a handful of starts, and maybe more, depending on Walker's status to begin the second half of the season after the mid-July All-Star break. Walker was put on the 15-day injured list with right index-finger inflammation. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to grab Mercado now. He's the team's No. 30 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and was pitching extremely well at Triple-A Lehigh Valley before his first big-league call-up earlier this week.

The Philadelphia Phillies placed right-hander Taijuan Walker (finger) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 22) with right index finger inflammation on Sunday and recalled right-hander Michael Mercado from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move. Walker is officially dealing with a blister on his right index finger and will take at least the next two weeks to try and heal up. The 31-year-old veteran didn't look comfortable in Friday night's loss against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, when he allowed four runs on five hits across just four innings of work. Walker currently sits with a 3-3 record, 5.60 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 43 strikeouts and 21 walks in 53 innings over his 10 starts in 2024. He has a greater chance for wins pitching for the Phillies, but his 18.7% strikeout rate, his lowest mark since 2018, is concerning.

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker will throw a "light" bullpen session on Sunday. Walker injured his toe after being hit by a comebacker on Thursday night. Manager Rob Thomson sounded optimistic that Walker would make his next start. The team will see how Walker feels tomorrow after the bullpen session and make any further determinations from there. Walker is 3-0 with a 4.91 ERA, a 1.41 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched this season. Walker is currently scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. If he cannot make that start, look for veteran Spencer Turnbull to make it.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (toe) left Wednesday's start after being hit by a liner on the foot, but he is feeling encouraged about making his next start. Matt Gelb of The Athletic has reported that Walker's toe is not broken. He also notes that it is no sure thing that Walker will make his next start, but the club will see how the right-hander is feeling on Friday. Walker got a late start to the season after dealing with shoulder pain and is 3-0 with a 4.91 ERA over his first four starts of the season. More should be known on his status on Friday, but it does not seem like a long-term injury. If Walker were to miss his next start, Spencer Turnbull would likely draw the spot start.

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (foot) was forced to leave his start early on Thursday against the visiting division-rival New York Mets after he was hit by a line drive on his left foot. Before leaving the contest early, Walker allowed two earned runs on four hits (one homer to Pete Alonso) while walking two and striking out one in 3 1/3 innings pitched. The Phillies are likely to do some tests on Walker, at which point we should have a better idea of the severity of his injury and whether it will cause him to miss his next start. The 31-year-old got a late start to the season due to injury and came into Thursday's start with a 4.82 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings over his first three starts. After giving up two more runs on Thursday, Walker's ERA now stands at 4.91.UPDATE: Walker's injury is being called a foot contusion, but he's scheduled for more testing.