PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies made moves to restructure their bullpen Sunday, removing Taijuan Walker from the rotation and recalling right-handed reliever Seth Johnson before their series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Mick Abel will take Walker's place in the starting rotation Thursday in Toronto. Reliever Jose Ruiz was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Johnson.
"I think Tai's got a chance to make us a lot better coming out of the 'pen," manager Rob Thomson said.
Walker has made 10 appearances, including eight starts and two long relief appearances, with a 2-4 record and 3.