“We’ve got to discuss it” - Phillies skipper Rob Thompson uncertain about Taijuan Walker's spot in rotation after another disastrous start
It has been a year to forget for Philadelphia Phillies ace Taijuan Walker. The former All-Star pitcher received boos from the home crowd, with Citizens Bank Park no longer impressed with Walker's services. On Wednesday, he pitched six innings, allowing 13 hits, six earned runs and one walk against the Houston Astros, with the road team winning 10-0.
He was unable to register any strikeouts and didn't get any swing-and-misses from hitters. Wednesday's game wasn't a one-off affair, as it continued his disastrous season, where he has gone 3-6 with a 6.50 ERA after 14 starts.
With the Phillies all but confirmed to be heading into the postseason, manager Rob Thompson faces a difficult situation regarding Walker's spot in the rotation.
“We’ve got to discuss it,” Thomson said. "I feel bad for him. I really do. Because I think all of you know how much I respect and love the players. And he works extremely hard.
"And he’s taken that time on the IL to try different things to gain velocity, to gain action on his split. There’s no lack of effort there. So when guys give effort and it doesn’t work out, it hurts. It hurts me, and obviously, it hurts him, too.”
Since returning from the injured list, Taijuan Walker has played four games, going 0-4 with a 9.17 ERA.
Taijuan Walker feels confident of returning to old self
Taijuan Walker didn't have the best of the days again on the mound, getting bundled for runs by the Astros hitters. After the game, Walker talked about his struggles at the mound.
“It’s, obviously, not the best times,” Walker added. “I feel like I’ve never really struggled like this, so it’s a little tough right now. I feel good about myself.
"I feel confident in myself. Obviously, I want to keep going and keep working through it. I know we’re pushing for the playoffs, but just keep going.”
However, despite the setbacks, Taijuan Walker believes he's making improvements in his pitching.
“I feel like … the shape is back on the splitter,” Walker said. “It’s tough, you know?
"It’s baseball. Not a lot of things going my way right now, but the biggest thing is trying to keep my confidence, keep going. We’ve got a good team. The offense is really good. Just got to keep trusting in myself.”
It remains to be seen whether the 2021 All-Star pitcher can save himself a spot on the rotation with the postseason just over a month away.