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Phillies Release Taijuan Walker as Zack Wheeler Set for Saturday Return

Philadelphia signals a performance-first reset by eating roughly $15 million to reshape a faltering rotation.

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Apr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Phillies, who announced the move Thursday, cut the 33-year-old after a 9.13 ERA in five appearances during an eight-game skid that left them 8-16.
  • Philadelphia will owe Walker about $15.3 million for 2026, with any new club only responsible for a prorated league minimum if he signs elsewhere.
  • The team also recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned Alan Rangel in corresponding moves.
  • Manager Rob Thomson said Zack Wheeler will start Saturday against the Braves under a roughly 90‑pitch, six‑inning cap after a rehab that showed about a three‑mph dip in fastball velocity from 2025 levels.
  • Wheeler returns from venous thoracic outlet surgery performed last September to treat a blood clot, and the Phillies are counting on managed innings to steady a rotation that has ranked near the bottom of MLB.