Taijuan Walker dealing with ‘normal Spring Training soreness’ in right knee

It will be some time before you see Philadelphia Phillies righty Taijuan Walker make his 2024 Grapefruit League debut.

Manager Rob Thomson told the media Friday afternoon — including Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer — that Walker experienced some “normal Spring Training soreness” in his right knee after throwing a bullpen session. Thomson says the Phillies are going to be cautious with the 31-year-old, with the plan being to “back him off a little bit and get him going in the next couple of days.”

Previously, Walker “had a few days off for personal reasons,” Coffey relayed.

Walker is entering the second season of a four-year/$72 million deal with the Phillies. While he did win 15 games and log 172 2/3 innings in his first season in red pinstripes, Walker also posted a 4.38 ERA and 4.53 FIP. Walker struggled mightily early in games a season ago, posting a 7.04 ERA in the first inning in 2023. His ability to battle after some rough starts proved valuable in the regular season, but was likely the key factor as he didn’t appear in a single game during the team’s postseason run, despite being on the roster for all three rounds.

On its own, having some knee soreness early in camp isn’t a huge deal. With a few weeks left until the regular season begins, it makes sense to be cautious with Walker and try to nip any issues in the bud.

At the same time, Walker is under contract for three more seasons and often appeared uncomfortable physically on the mound last season, especially early in his outings. Walker is a gifted athlete, who was a Gold Glove finalist a year ago. But how he holds up physically over the lifespan of this deal is worth monitoring.

As is, Walker is slated to be part of one of the better starting rotations in the league, along with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez. If he isn’t ultimately ready for his first turn through the starting rotation, either Spencer Turnbull or Kolby Allard would likely get the first look as a spot starter.

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