The Philadelphia Phillies activates starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from the 15-day injured list. Walker had been on the injured list since June 22 with an injury to his right index finger. This was the second time Walker had been on the injured list this season. Walker did not make his season debut until April 28. Issues with the right index finger led to both stints on the injured list. In 10 starts this season Walker has a 3-3 record with a 5.60 ERA and 43 strikeouts. Walker has a 73 ERA+ and a 5.80 FIP this season.
To make room for Walker on the 26-man roster, Yunior Marte was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Marte being optioned is retroactive to August 11. In 22 outings this season Marte has a 0-0 record with a 7.13 ERA as well as recording 23 strikeouts. Marte has a 58 ERA+ and a 5.72 FIP this season. With Marte having a 15.26 ERA in his last seven appearances this is no surprise. This also became an obvious move when the Phillies called up Max Lazar and optioned Kolby Allard to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on August 9.
Phillies Activate Taijuan Walker
While it was previously expected the Phillies were going to implement a six-man rotation in August that does not seem likely now. If it were to happen it would be when Ranger Suárez returns from the injured list. The timing of that relative to roster expansion will impact the corresponding move. In the event Suárez returns and no six-man rotation is used expect that Tyler Phillips will be optioned. If the Phillies go to a six-man rotation when Suárez returns expect José Ruiz to be designated for assignment.
With Walker returning and Suárez expected to return soon Spencer Turnbull is expected to be back by the end of the regular season. Given that Turnbull recently had a setback a return before rosters expand on September 1 would be unexpected. Turnbull will probably go on a rehab assignment first. The Phillies have stated that Turnbull will pitch out of the bullpen when he returns. Having Turnbull back for the stretch run and postseason would be important for the Phillies’ pitching depth.
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