PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies made strikes to restructure their bullpen Sunday, eradicating Taijuan Walker from the rotation and recalling right-handed reliever Seth Johnson earlier than their sequence finale in opposition to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Mick Abel will take Walker’s place within the beginning rotation Thursday in Toronto. Reliever Jose Ruiz was designated for task to clear a roster spot for Johnson.
“I feel Tai’s bought an opportunity to make us lots higher popping out of the ‘pen,” supervisor Rob Thomson stated.
Walker has made 10 appearances, together with eight begins and two lengthy aid appearances, with a 2-4 document and three.53 ERA in 43⅓ innings. Thomson will use Walker in one-inning roles.
The 32-year-old Walker has been primarily a starter all through his 13-year profession. He’s within the third yr of a $72 million, four-year contract.
Abel made his main league debut on Might 18, throwing six scoreless innings. The 23-year-old was the No. 15 decide within the 2020 novice draft.
Johnson, 26, is 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 33 innings with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, transitioning from the beginning rotation to a aid function. He made one look for the Phillies final yr, permitting 9 earned runs in 2⅓ innings on Sept. 8 in opposition to Miami.
Johnson was acquired by the Phillies from Baltimore on July 30, 2024, in a commerce for Gregory Soto.
Ruiz had an 8.16 ERA in 14⅓ innings this season, together with permitting 5 runs in a single inning of Saturday’s 17-7 loss to the Brewers. The 30-year-old right-hander had a 5-1 document and three.71 ERA in 52 appearances in 2024.
The Related Press contributed to this report.