PHILADELPHIA — While it seemed mostly inevitable ever since the Phillies revealed that Ranger Suárez would start Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Diamondbacks, manager Rob Thomson finally confirmed that Taijuan Walker will be moved to the bullpen.
After a nightmare 2024, Walker bounced back to pitch capably while Suárez missed the first month of this season. The right-hander had a 2.54 ERA in 28 1/3 innings over six starts. Unlike when it happened last year, Walker being sent to the bullpen is not exactly indicative of his performance out of the rotation.
Thomson said it was tough to have the conversation with Walker about changing his role.