Phillies Benched Taijuan Walker Amid Struggles

The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a lopsided 10-0 defeat to the Houston Astros, raising concerns about starting pitcher Taijuan Walker's performance. Walker has consistently struggled, recording a 9.17 ERA since returning from injury, and the team is contemplating skipping his next start as they head into a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves. With their lead in the National League East cut down to 5.5 games, the Phillies face pressure to solidify their playoff position. Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the need for discussions on Walker's future in the rotation, citing the impact of his poor outings on the team's momentum. Fans and analysts alike are expressing frustration with Walker's contributions, labeling the decision to sign him a significant misstep. As the Phillies evaluate their options, they may need to consider pulling from their minor leagues to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming games.