Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker is looking to bounce back from a recent slump as his team prepares to take on the Kansas City Royals in a weekend series. After a disappointing series loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are aiming to turn things around and get back on track.
The Phillies had a rough stretch, losing three of their last four games and scoring only six runs on 13 hits during their series against the Braves. Despite the struggles, Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson remains confident in his team’s ability to score runs. “You know that they’re gonna hit at some point,” Thomson said after a 3-1 loss to the Braves. “It’s just one of those nights. We’ve gotta come back here tomorrow, strap it on, and get after it.”
Taijuan Walker, the Phillies’ right-handed pitcher, will take the mound for Philadelphia in the upcoming series against the Royals. Walker has had a challenging season, with a 3-4 record and a 5.69 ERA. He recently returned from the injured list after missing two months with inflammation in his right index finger. Since his return, Walker has struggled to pitch deep into games, failing to get through five innings since June 15.
Despite his struggles, Thomson remains optimistic about Walker’s potential. After Walker’s performance on August 18, Thomson commented, “He competed. There’s some control, command stuff there that he’ll keep working on. But, if he is a five-inning guy, that’s OK, too. But I do think there’s more.” The Phillies have lost seven straight starts by Walker, who hasn’t recorded a victory since May 11.
Walker has a mixed track record against the Royals, with a 1-1 record and a 4.50 ERA in four career starts. In his last start against Kansas City on August 8, 2023, Walker earned the win despite allowing four runs on seven hits, including a solo homer by MJ Melendez.
In addition to Walker, the Phillies are expecting the return of two key players from the injured list during their series against the Royals. All-Star left-hander Ranger Suarez, who has been sidelined since July 22 with lower back soreness, is set to be activated and start on Saturday. Suarez recently threw a four-inning simulated game, and Thomson noted that his “stuff looked good.”
Outfielder Austin Hays, who was acquired at the trade deadline, is also expected to return over the weekend. Hays has been out of action for nearly two weeks with a left hamstring strain. After completing a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he will be eased back into a regular role with the team.
On the Royals’ side, Michael Wacha will take the mound against the Phillies. Wacha, who has a 10-6 record and a 3.33 ERA, has a mixed history against Philadelphia, with a 3-3 record and a 5.13 ERA in 10 career starts. In his last start against the Phillies on September 6, 2023, while pitching for the Padres, Wacha allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings, including a leadoff homer by Kyle Schwarber.
Wacha is currently on a hot streak, riding a nine-game unbeaten streak with a 6-0 record and a 2.33 ERA since his last loss on June 22. In his most recent start against the Cincinnati Reds on August 17, Wacha tossed six shutout innings, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out nine batters.
The Royals have been on a roll, winning six of their last seven games and narrowing the gap behind division leader Cleveland to just two games. Kansas City’s offense has been powered by their middle-of-the-order hitters, with the 2-3-4 hitters each ranking in the top 10 in RBIs in the majors. Bobby Witt Jr. is sixth with 92 RBIs, Vinnie Pasquantino ranks third with 95 RBIs, and Salvador Perez is tied for ninth with 85 RBIs. The Royals are the only team with three players boasting 85 or more RBIs.
As the Phillies and Royals prepare to face off in their weekend series, both teams will be looking to secure crucial wins to bolster their playoff hopes. With key players returning from injuries and pitchers aiming to find their form, the stage is set for an exciting matchup on the diamond.
