Taijuan Walker to start season on IL
Phillies starter Taijuan Walker was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement and will begin the season on the injured list, Walker told reporters, including Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, on Sunday.
Walker was already behind this spring after missing time with knee soreness. He’ll miss at least 15 days, but it will likely take him longer to return to the Phillies as he’ll need time to build back up. Rob Thomson said on the Phillies broadcast that he’s not concerned about the injury long term and that Walker is expected to resume throwing in about five days.
Walker struggled in his last spring start against the Orioles on Wednesday, allowing seven runs over 2 2/3 innings. The line could have been better if the Phillies defense did not give the Orioles two free outs to work with in the first inning. What was concerning was his lack of command and the velocity. His fastball was in the high 80s to low 90s.
Walker told reporters that the shoulder “feels healthy” and that everything “tested strong.” The ball just isn’t coming out the way he would like and believes some rest should “clear it out.”
Walker’s injury means Spencer Turnbull will begin the season in the rotation. He will throw a simulated game in Lehigh Valley on Friday.
The Phillies’ Opening Day pitching staff is taking shape. Zack Wheeler will start. The recently extended Matt Strahm will be in the bullpen along with José Alvarado, Gregory Soto, Jeff Hoffman and Seranthony Domínguez. The final three relievers remaining in camp are Connor Brogdon, Yunior Marte and Luis Ortiz. All three will start the season in the bullpen, barring a late acquisition.
Cristian Pache is the favorite to grab the final bench spot, though the Phillies are reportedly in the market for another left-handed hitting outfielder.
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