The reeling Philadelphia Phillies, losers of eight straight, announced a flurry of roster moves on Thursday.
Among them was the release of righty Taijuan Walker. He was in the final season of a four-year, $72 million deal.
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
The 33-year-old Walker had struggled mightily this season and was demoted from the rotation. He pitched four innings in Wednesday’s 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, giving up five runs, four earned, on eight hits with two home runs in four innings of work. The Shreveport, LA native took the loss.
Walker finishes his 2026 season with the Phillies at 1-4 in five appearances with a 9.13 earned run average and WHIP of 2.074 over 22.2 innings pitched.
Originally taken with the 43rd overall selection of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft, Walker was in his 14th season in the majors. He had previously suited up for the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.
An All-Star in 2021, Walker is 78-75 in 256 career appearances with a 4.27 ERA and 1.301 WHIP over 1,300.2 innings pitched.
In other roster moves, righty Nolan Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley with righty Alan Rangel going the other way.
The Phillies (8-16) will look to avoid a four-game sweep against the Cubs (15-9) later on Thursday.
