For a stretch run, the Phillies demote struggling right-hander Walker to the bullpen.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – With a 6.50 ERA this season, Taijuan Walker was put on the hook for roughly $40 million over the next two years by the Philadelphia Phillies, who then shifted him to the bullpen, converting the 33-year-old right-hander into a long reliever for the remainder of the season.

Walker was notified of the decision by Phillies manager Rob Thomson prior to Thursday’s first game of a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

Walker (3-6) had lost his previous six decisions and has not triumphed in a game for the Phillies, who lead the NL East, since May 22. In six innings, Walker got hit for six runs on thirteen hits in a 10-0 loss to Houston on Wednesday. Not one batter was struck out by himHis nine starts for the Phillies have ended in losses.

Walker before the 2023 season inked a $72 million, four-year contract.

One inning, low leverage, and then starting from there would be the ideal scenario, according to Thomson.

.Thomson expressed his hope that “his stuff will tick up, the velocity will tick up.” “He’ll just pound the ball through the zone out there.”

The six-foot four In 2021, Walker was selected for the first time to the All-Star team. He had a strong start to the season and finished 7-11 with a 4.47 ERA in 30 games, 29 starts. After playing with the Phillies, Toronto, Seattle, and Mets, he is 72-62 overall with a 4.12 ERA.

You know, it’s difficult. Baseball is played. After losing against Houston, Walker remarked, “Not a lot of things are going my way right now, but the biggest thing is trying to keep my confidence, keep going.” “We have a capable group. The offensive line is excellent. I simply need to continue believing in myself.The Phillies opened with the best 60-game start of any club since the 2001 Seattle Mariners, and it seemed like they were coasting to the NL East championship. Their four-game series against the Braves, a team the Phillies have eliminated from the playoffs the previous two years, suddenly took on more significance after they had a dismal summer. Before Thursday’s game, the Phillies’ lead over the Braves was only five games.

For both teams, a lot is at stake, according to Thomson. “A healthy competition. One of baseball’s better rivalries at the moment. The weekend is going to be enjoyable.

Walker may have “tried to do too much” in his starts because “he knew what was on the line,” Thomson wondered. Walker, who won 15 games the previous season but did not pitch in the postseason as the Phillies advanced to the NL Championship Series, was not hurt, the third-year manager said.

He may be in good health. He is now a fit reliever.