Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker has given manager Rob Thomson reason to ease the burden on the team’s pitching staff, coinciding with the anticipated return of Aaron Nola from the injured list. Thomson has announced a six-man rotation starting this weekend as the Phillies face the Washington Nationals in a four-game series on the road.
Walker is scheduled to pitch on Saturday, while Nola, sidelined since mid-May due to a right ankle sprain, is expected to be activated Sunday morning to close out the series. Thomson confirmed this plan allows at least one full cycle through the expanded rotation.
Once, for sure, and then we’ve got some other ideas how to attack this thing as we move forward,
Thomson said.
Walker’s Improved Performance Secures Rotation Role
Taijuan Walker’s recent strong outings have quelled speculation about his relegation to the bullpen upon Nola’s return. Walker posted a 3.39 ERA with a 4-5 record this season, and has been effective both as a starter and reliever. Over his last two starts, he pitched 12 innings and allowed only one run on 10 hits, demonstrating consistent form that supports his place in the rotation.
This season, Walker holds a 3.31 ERA in 14 starts and also has appeared 11 times out of the bullpen, recording a 1-1 record and a 3.71 ERA. Such performance marks a significant rebound from his struggles last season, when he posted a career-worst 7.10 ERA and a 3-7 record in 19 appearances including 15 starts.
I busted my butt in the offseason,
Walker reflected.
I wanted to come back this year and just show that I worked hard and I was ready to get back in the rotation.
Walker’s upcoming start against Washington will be pivotal, as he has a solid career record against the Nationals. Over eight appearances—all starts—he is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA versus the Nationals, having pitched 5 2/3 innings in a May 1 matchup where he allowed four runs (one earned) but the Phillies fell 4-2.
Phillies Show Power and Resilience Amid Winning Streak Challenges
The Phillies struggled offensively earlier this week during a three-game losing streak, scoring only three total runs. However, Kyle Schwarber boosted the offense with a pivotal seventh-inning home run, breaking a tie and leading Philadelphia to a 6-2 victory over Washington on Friday. Bryce Harper added a solo home run following Schwarber’s blast, continuing his early-game momentum with an RBI double in the first inning.
The team’s power display offered a necessary spark ahead of the weekend’s series finale, especially following the unsettling injury to trade deadline acquisition Jhoan Duran. Duran was struck on the right foot by a line drive from Paul DeJong in the ninth inning and had to be helped off the field in a bullpen cart. X-rays came back negative, and further evaluation is planned for Saturday.
Nationals’ Rising Stars and Pitching Matchup for Saturday
Washington rookie Daylen Lile has been a bright spot for the Nationals, extending his impressive August hitting streak. On Friday, Lile smashed a solo home run in the fourth inning to tie the game 2-2, contributing to his .319 batting average this month with 15 hits in 47 at-bats, five RBIs, and eight runs scored.
For Saturday’s pitching matchup, Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli will make his fourth career start and first appearance against the Phillies. The 27-year-old showed promise in his season debut with 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Athletics, but allowed four runs across five-plus innings in his most recent outing Monday against the Kansas City Royals. He was handed a no-decision in that 7-4 loss, undone in part by a two-run homer off his pitch from Hall of Fame catcher Salvador Perez.
I thought I executed it well, and that’s the game of baseball,
Cavalli said about the pitch from Perez.
He’s a Hall of Fame catcher for a reason. He got me (on Monday), and I wish I could have that back now knowing that, but I executed it with my full conviction. And that’s what I’m going to live on.
Outlook: Phillies Aim for Stability With Tactical Rotation Changes
As the Phillies navigate a demanding stretch of games, the decision to implement a six-man rotation reflects a strategic effort to manage pitcher workloads and maintain competitiveness. Walker’s resurgence offers stability within the rotation, complementing the anticipated return of Aaron Nola, which should bolster Philadelphia’s pitching depth.
The upcoming weekend series against the Nationals will test these rotation adjustments and Philadelphia’s ability to capitalize on timely hitting performances. For the Nationals, rising talents such as Daylen Lile and Cade Cavalli present ongoing challenges, signaling a competitive matchup ahead.