The Philadelphia Phillies have been riding high for most of the 2025 MLB season, but a late-season push always demands a fine-tuned rotation. While Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola have consistently shouldered the bulk of the pitching load, the recent return and performance of Taijuan Walker has become a game-changer.\Walker, who was sidelined earlier this season with shoulder inflammation, has come back at just the right time. His recent outings not only reinforce the starting rotation but give manager Rob Thomson a much-needed luxury: flexibility.
Walker’s Comeback: Steady and Timely
In his last three starts since rejoining the team, Walker has been rock solid. He’s posted a 2.89 ERA, kept his walks in check, and worked deep into games. While he isn’t overpowering hitters, he’s getting ground balls and inducing weak contact — exactly what the Phillies need behind their top-tier arms.
The most encouraging sign? His fastball velocity is back in the 93-94 mph range, and his splitter has shown its signature drop again. Both pitches are working in sync, which makes him a difficult matchup, especially for teams who haven’t seen much of him this year.
Rotation Relief: Why Walker’s Success Matters
Let’s face it — the postseason grind can take a toll on even the deepest pitching staffs. Wheeler has been outstanding, but he’s approaching a career-high in innings. Nola has been better this year, but inconsistency still creeps in. Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez have had excellent moments, but both are relatively untested under the brightest lights of October.
That’s where Walker’s resurgence becomes crucial. His presence gives the Phillies the ability to:
- Skip a starter:If Wheeler or Nola needs extra rest, Walker can step in without a drop in quality.
- Go six-man rotation temporarily: This can help manage workloads as the regular season wraps up.
- Piggyback with younger arms: If the team wants to limit innings for Sánchez, pairing him with Walker becomes a smart option.
In short, Walker’s ability to take the ball every fifth day and give the Phillies a fighting chance is worth more than stats might suggest.
More Than Just a Filler
When the Phillies signed Walker to a four-year, $72 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, this is what they envisioned: a reliable, mid-rotation arm who could eat innings and hold down the fort. While his 2023 season had ups and downs, his current stretch is arguably his most important yet.
What’s most impressive is his approach. Walker doesn’t need to strike out ten batters a game. Instead, he pitches to contact, uses his defense, and works quickly. That approach allows the bullpen to stay fresh — something that becomes increasingly valuable in September and October.
What This Means for October
Assuming the Phillies lock up a postseason spot — and all signs point to that happening — Walker becomes a valuable chess piece. He could slot into a Game 3 or 4 start in a playoff series, or be used as a long reliever in high-leverage spots. Either way, his versatility gives the Phillies a tactical edge.
And let’s not forget the psychological boost. Knowing that your fourth or fifth starter has been sharp down the stretch can give a team that extra layer of confidence in tight series.
Taijuan Walker isn’t trying to be the ace of the Phillies’ staff — and he doesn’t have to be. What he’s providing is something just as important: reliability, timing, and depth. His successful return has given the Phillies a key advantage that could pay dividends as they chase another deep postseason run.
With the rotation now deeper and more adaptable, Rob Thomson has more options at his disposal than ever. And in October