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.