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Phillies Shift Taijuan Walker to One-Inning Relief as Johnson Returns

The moves aim to shore up a beleaguered relief corps after posting one of baseball’s worst ERAs this season.

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)
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

  • The Phillies designated right-hander José Ruiz for assignment and recalled Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to bolster their bullpen.
  • Taijuan Walker will move into a permanent one-inning relief role, with manager Rob Thomson hoping his fastball and slider play up in short stints.
  • Top prospect Mick Abel is set to join the starting rotation Thursday in Toronto, taking Walker’s spot after a six-scoreless-inning major league debut.
  • Philadelphia’s bullpen entered Sunday with a 4.68 ERA—25th in MLB—and has been further strained by José Alvarado’s 80-game suspension.
  • Veteran Aaron Nola is advancing in his rehab from a sprained right ankle and Bryce Harper is targeting a Tuesday return from an elbow injury.