Phillies manager provides injury update on Taijuan Walker

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker.

The Phillies placed Taijuan Walker on the 15-day injured list for the second time this season on June 23. The reason for this was deemed to be right index finger inflammation, which was making it very difficult for him to execute his splitter properly.

In his most recent start, in which he was pulled and diagnosed with the injury, his fastball was clocked at a season-low 90.5 mph.

The Phillies haven't provided a definitive timeline for Walker’s return.

The team has placed him on the 15-day injured list to allow for recovery and to avoid aggravating the injury further. Walker will rest for a short period and avoid throwing his splitter as he continues to heal and build back up.

The latest update, as per MLB.com, which came on Wednesday from manager Rob Thomson, was that Walker's length of stay on the IL solely depends on his ability to regain his effectiveness on his splitter, which is arguably his best weapon when thrown properly.

Walker's season has been riddled with injuries and inconsistencies, and he has not been able to pitch to his fullest potential. In 10 starts this year, he possesses a 5.60 ERA, with a 1.49 WHIP, and a 2.04 K/BB in 53 innings. Prior to this season, however, Walker had an impressive career resume, with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 1123.2 innings.

When healthy, Walker has shown that he can be a reliable fourth or fifth starter on a contending team. Assuming he can regain control over his splitter and then bring his overall pitch velocity back up, the Phillies could rely on him to help win games and save the bullpen for meaningful innings in September and October.

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