Phillies Release Taijuan Walker, Absorb $15M Salary

The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran starting pitcher Taijuan Walker on Thursday, April 23, 2026, absorbing the remaining $15 million of his $18 million salary for the season as the team seeks to address its struggles early in the campaign.

Walker, 33, had posted a 1-4 record with a 9.13 ERA in five appearances, four of them starts, through 22 2/3 innings this season. He allowed 25 runs, 23 earned, on 36 hits and 11 walks while striking out 17 batters. His outings included at least four runs surrendered in four of five games, culminating in Wednesday's 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, where he gave up four earned runs on eight hits in four innings after an opener. The defeat extended the Phillies' losing streak to eight games, leaving them at 8-16 and tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League.

The move clears a spot in the rotation for ace Zack Wheeler, who is set to return Saturday after recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September 2025 to address a blood clot in his shoulder. Wheeler completed minor league rehab assignments before the recall.

Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies...