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3w ago

Phillies reshuffle pitching staff by shifting Taijuan Walker to bullpen, elevating Mick Abel to rotation

Stabilizing a bullpen with a 4.68 ERA through defined one-inning roles underscores the Phillies’ urgency to shore up their relief corps.

Philadelphia Phillies' Taijuan Walker pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, May 30, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 28: President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski of the Boston Red Sox reacts before the 2019 Opening day game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on March 28, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
May 30, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Facing a 4.68 ERA that ranks 25th in MLB, the Phillies have shifted Taijuan Walker out of the rotation into a permanent one-inning relief role.
  • Prospect Mick Abel will take Walker’s rotation spot on Thursday in Toronto after a six-scoreless-inning MLB debut and a 2.21 ERA over 57 Triple-A innings.
  • Right-hander José Ruiz was designated for assignment following an 8.16 ERA in 14.1 innings this season to clear a roster spot.
  • The Phillies recalled Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he posted a 4.91 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 33 innings after converting to relief.
  • Aaron Nola continues to rehab a sprained right ankle with a mid-June return projected, and Bryce Harper is expected back in the lineup Tuesday after missing nearly a week with a bruised elbow.