Phillies reveal when Taijuan Walker will return to starting rotation

Taijuan Walker is going to start for the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, according to Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

LHP Kolby Allard was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley as part of a series of roster moves Friday, with Walker set to reassume one of the five rotation spots.

This will mark Walker’s first start for the Phillies since June 21. He’s been on the injured list with right index finger inflammation, which hindered his ability to throw his splitter, a pitch that he’s called his “bread and butter.”

Walker also opened the season in the IL with right shoulder soreness. So far he’s made just 10 starts in the second season of a four-year/$72 million deal, pitching to a 5.60 ERA and 5.80 FIP.

While he struggled mightily in first innings a year ago, he provided value with his ability to eat innings during the regular season. Walker finished his first campaign in Philadelphia with a 4.38 ERA and 4.53 FIP over 172 2/3 innings pitched. Much to his chagrin, he didn’t ultimately pitch in the postseason, so there were limitations on what he could do a year ago. But between now and the playoffs, the Phillies certainly wouldn’t mind Walker eating innings as he did a year ago, and helping to preserve both their bullpen and some of the other starters in the rotation.

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