The Philadelphia Phillies’ batting lineup has experienced fluctuations in performance at the onset of the season, leaning more towards the cold side.
Conversely, the starting rotation has excelled. Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Spencer Turnbull have collectively impressed, boasting a remarkable 2.54 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP across 19 starts leading up to Friday.
Such stellar pitching displays have rendered the absence of former All-Star starter Taijuan Walker inconsequential. Walker, currently recuperating from a right shoulder impingement, is yet to make his season debut. However, an optimistic injury update emerged before Friday’s matchup against the Chicago White Sox.
Walker successfully completed his scheduled bullpen session on Friday without encountering any setbacks. As reported by team beat writer Todd Zolecki, Walker intends to conclude his rehabilitation stint with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Sunday, anticipating activation from the 15-day injured list and reintegration into Philadelphia’s lineup next week.
Based on this schedule, Walker could potentially make his season debut for the Phillies during their upcoming away series against the San Diego Padres next weekend. Despite Turnbull’s impressive performance early in the season, Manager Rob Thomson is expected to relocate him to the bullpen to accommodate Walker, irrespective of Turnbull’s performance in Friday’s game against the White Sox.
At 31 years old, Walker is poised to embark on his 12th season in Major League Baseball. Entering the second year of a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract with Philadelphia, Walker aims to build upon his previous season’s achievements, where he posted a record of 15-6 with a 4.38 ERA across 31 starts.
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