The Philadelphia Phillies have gotten off to a disastrous 8-16 start, and the losing streak extended to eight games with a 7-2 defeat against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Veteran pitcher Taijuan Walker threw four innings after “opener” Kyle Backhus started the game. But, Walker was tagged with his fourth loss of the season after giving up four earned runs on eight hits. On Thursday, the Phillies decided to release Walker.
Prior to today’s game against the Chicago Cubs, the Phillies recalled RHP Nolan Hoffman from triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Alan Rangel was optioned to Lehigh Valley following last night’s game. Additionally, RHP Taijuan Walker was released.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 23, 2026
Walker signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Phillies before the 2023 season. However, he was demoted to the bullpen during the 2024 campaign.
Walker has also spent time with the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, and he was named an All-Star in 2021.
The past few seasons have not gone well for Walker since coming to Philadelphia.
- 2023: 15-6 record, 4.38 ERA
- 2024: 3-7 record, 7.10 ERA
- 2025: 5-8 record, 4.08 ERA
It has been back and forth for Walker, and he went 1-4 with a whopping 9.13 ERA to begin the 2026 campaign, giving up four or more runs in all but one start.
Walker, who turns 34 in August, could draw interest on the market even with his disappointing play.
