On Thursday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced Taijuan Walker would be moving to the club’s bullpen. This came one day after Walker allowed six runs on 13 hits in Wednesday’s loss to the Astros. Thomson said Walker’s first appearance out of the bullpen will likely be in a low-leverage spot for one inning. The right-hander will then be built up for a role as a long man.
Walker is still recovering from Wednesday’s start. He anticipates being ready to come out of the bullpen by next Tuesday’s series opener in Toronto against the Blue Jays.
Thomson mentioned he thought Walker’s stuff would “tick up” coming out of the bullpen.