PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies have made some adjustments to their bullpen, opting to move pitcher Taijuan Walker from the starting lineup and promoting right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson. These changes were announced ahead of their final match against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Taking Walker’s spot in the rotation, Mick Abel is set to start in Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, reliever José Ruiz has been designated for assignment to make space for Johnson within the team.
Walker, who has mostly served as a starter throughout his 13-year Major League Baseball career, is now being moved permanently to a bullpen role. Manager Rob Thomson shared his outlook on the decision, expressing optimism about what Walker can bring to the team in relief situations.
This season, Walker has participated in 10 games, with eight of those as a starter and two coming out of the bullpen. His record stands at 2-4, with a 3.53 ERA over 43 1/3 innings pitched. Currently in the third year of a four-year contract valued at $72 million, Walker will contribute in shorter, one-inning stints.
On the other hand, Mick Abel, who first appeared in the big leagues on May 18, impressed by not allowing any runs over six innings. Abel, 23, was the number 15 overall selection in the 2020 amateur draft, showcasing promising potential.
Seth Johnson, 26, has been playing in Triple-A for Lehigh Valley, with a 2-2 win-loss record, a 4.91 ERA, and 42 strikeouts over 33 innings. Previously a starter, he has successfully shifted into a bullpen role. Last season, Johnson made a brief appearance for the Phillies, giving up nine earned runs in a game against Miami in September.
Johnson joined the Phillies after being traded from Baltimore on July 30, 2024, as part of a deal involving Gregory Soto.
José Ruiz, who was designated for assignment, has struggled this season with an 8.16 ERA over 14 1/3 innings, notably allowing five runs in a single inning during the Phillies’ 17-7 defeat by the Brewers. In the previous year, Ruiz held a 5-1 record with a 3.71 ERA across 52 appearances.