As the Philadelphia Phillies gear up for the postseason, the spotlight is increasingly focused on Taijuan Walker, whose recent struggles on the mound have raised concerns about his future contributions to the team.

The $72 million right-hander’s latest outing was a significant disappointment, potentially jeopardizing both his season and the Phillies’ playoff aspirations.

In a critical game against the Atlanta Braves, Walker struggled from the outset, surrendering five runs in just four innings. His command was erratic, with fastballs that lacked precision and secondary pitches that failed to generate swings and misses.

The Braves capitalized on his mistakes, turning the game into a showcase of their offensive firepower.

This latest blow-up marked the fourth consecutive start where Walker has failed to go deep into games, raising alarms among fans and analysts alike.

Since joining the Phillies, Walker has had a rollercoaster season. His initial outings in the first half of the season showcased glimpses of brilliance, where he was able to consistently keep opposing batters at bay. However, as the season progressed, inconsistencies crept in.

His fastball velocity has dropped, and his reliance on off-speed pitches has not yielded the expected results. These issues have left him vulnerable, especially against high-powered lineups like that of the Braves.

Manager Rob Thomson has expressed confidence in Walker, noting his potential to bounce back.

Yet, with the playoffs on the horizon, the Phillies cannot afford to carry a pitcher who is struggling to find his form. The team is in a tight race, and every game matters.

With Walker’s contract weighing heavily on the team’s budget, the decision to either continue to give him chances or seek alternatives will be crucial.

The Phillies do have options. Young pitchers like Cristopher Sanchez have shown promise, and the team could consider shifting to a bullpen strategy that allows for more matchup-based pitching.

However, the question remains whether the Phillies can afford to bench a pitcher of Walker’s stature at this critical juncture.

As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Walker. Can he reclaim his form and become the dependable starter the Phillies invested in? Or will his recent struggles signal the end of his significant role in this year’s playoff push? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear:

the pressure is mounting on the veteran to turn his season around before it slips away entirely.