Taijuan Walker in jeopardy of missing first start; a look at the Phillies options for the starting rotation

Just five days away from beginning the 2024 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation is already experiencing setbacks, with Taijuan Walker expected to miss time with a right shoulder injury. 

Walker was getting ready for a bullpen session today down in Clearwater when he reported “something didn’t feel right” in his right shoulder. 

A horrible Spring continues to get worse for Walker. Last week, he coughed up five hits, seven runs, three walks, and three home runs in just 2.3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles while managing to strike out just one batter.

Walker is on this 4-year contract with nearly $52 million left to be paid and after starting last year very strong, he was pretty miserable down the stretch.

In 2023, Walker posted a 15-6 record with a 4.38 ERA over 31 starts but the majority of his success was found before the All-Star Break. 

Before All-Star Break: 10-3, 4.02 ERA

Post All-Star Break: 5-3, 4.83 ERA

Taijuan Walker’s decline and questions surrounding Cristopher Sanchez in the No. 5 spot >>

Walker’s chances to start the fourth regular season game for the Phillies on April 1st is is looking unlikely.

If needed, Spencer Turnbull will replace Taijuan Walker in the rotation. Turnbull, who spent five seasons in Detroit before joining the Phillies over the offseason, has appeared in four games during Spring Training, posting a 2.25 ERA with 12 strikeouts and a 1.13 WHIP over eight innings of work. 

You have to wonder if this will get the gears in motion for John Middleton and Dave Dombrowski to sign one of the remaining free agent pitchers still looking for a place to play in 2024. 

Top of the list would be Jordan Montgomery. Last season, he posted a 10-11 record with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. More importantly, Montgomery went 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA over 31 innings pitched in the postseason with the World Series Champion Rangers. 

Montgomery is a pitcher the Phillies need to sign immediately. Don’t forget, Vinny Velasquez is still out there looking for a place to pitch in 2024 too. Vincent Velasquez may not be Jordan Montgomery but I wouldn’t mind a reunion here in Philadelphia. 

Vinny Velo Reunion? Sure, why not…

Five years ago today, Philadelphia's living legend Vinny Velo pitched a complete game shutout with 16 strikeouts.

9 IP | 0 R | 3 H | 16 K | 0 BB#RingTheBell | @drewmsmith pic.twitter.com/lJVct3OALp

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) April 14, 2021

Keep an eye on the Phillies No. 2 prospect Mick Abel. 

Abel struck out four in 4.2 innings over two Grapefruit League appearances for the Phillies this Spring. His performance was highlighted by a nasty strikeout, facing Juan Soto in a Grapefruit League game against the Yankees last Monday. 

Mick Abel, @Phillies No. 2 and @MLBPipeline's No. 49 prospect, is showing off the filth at #SpringBreakout pic.twitter.com/i643MGOj0v

— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2024

Last season in the minors, Abel made it to Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season and has posted a 14-20 record with a 4.09 ERA.

That’s pretty much all we have right now for starting pitchers in the Phillies organization. Andrew Painter is recovering from Tommy John Surgery and shelved until 2025 while Griff McGarry’s fall from grace has reached new lows.

There’s no way a World Series contending baseball team can have Spencer Turnbull and Cristopher Sanchez as the No. 4 and No. 5 pitchers in their starting rotation, right? A move has to be made.

As if Taijuan Walker wasn’t bad enough, it looks like the Phillies are already experiencing some depth issues which is the last thing you want to read just five days until Opening Day. 

More Phillies Injury Updates via MLB.com

RHP Orion Kerkering (illness)
Expected return: TBD

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Kerkering will open the season on the 15-day injured list. Kerkering has been sidelined since March 1 due to an illness.

Kerkering faced Minor Leaguers on March 20. His absence leaves three bullpen jobs available. Right-handers Yunior Marte and Luis F. Ortiz have thrown well this spring and could be front-runners for two of those jobs. Right-hander Spencer Turnbull is a good bet, unless he takes Taijuan Walker’s spot in the rotation. If Turnbull starts, it opens the possibility for Connor Brogdon, José Ruiz and Andrew Bellatti.

(Last updated: March 23)

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