ESPN: Two of Phillies top players set to return training after long term injury.
Following his most recent Double-A rehab appearance, it was expected that Taijuan Walker will rejoin the Phillies for the following rotational stint. We now possess verification.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Corey Seidman, the veteran right-hander has been confirmed as the Phillies’ starting pitcher for the team’s first game back at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday. It is going to be his first Phillies mound appearance since June 21st. Walker had a blister on his index finger that was preventing his splitter from working properly, so on June 23 he started a 15-day IL.
Walker struck out three in two and a half innings while giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk in his final rehab start for the Reading Fightin Phils. He has made ten starts this season and is 3-3 with a 5.60 ERA and 1.49 WHIP. He must return, establish consistency, and pitch a few innings at the end for the Phillies.
Regarding the starting rotation, there is more positive news. It’s also getting closer for Ranger Suárez to return from the IL. On July 27, he was placed on the shelf due to lower back pain.
The left-hander has now built up to 36 pitches after throwing a two-inning practice on Thursday. Before the team invites him back, he will need to participate in a bullpen session, live batting practice, and, based on the sounds of it, a rehab assignment.
According to MLB.com, Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated, “In my mind, I’d kind of like to see [a rehab assignment] just to get him some competition.” “In a competitive environment, cover first base and field bunts, stuff like that.”
Although the Phillies haven’t given us a specific date, we do know that Suárez will return following the forthcoming homestand. Accordingly, Suarez may start the series against the Braves in Atlanta starting on August.
