After a sobering 9-3 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies quickly addressed their pitching depth by announcing the acquisition of left-handed reliever Josh Walker from the Toronto Blue Jays. The team’s official X account (formerly Twitter) announced the news, highlighting Philadelphia’s pressing need to solidify a bullpen that has become more susceptible during José Alvarado’s 80-game suspension.
“The Phillies have obtained LHP Josh Walker from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations. Walker was selected for Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Walker joins the Phillies via a cash considerations deal and has been immediately sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on option. This roster change takes advantage of a prior vacancy on the 40-man roster that was created when Jose Alvarado was suspended for breaching the league’s PED policy. Although Walker won’t have an immediate effect on Citizens Bank Park, his presence provides much-needed flexibility for the bullpen.
The 6-foot-6 left-handed pitcher had been designated for assignment by Toronto earlier this week after a short stint in the MLB, during which he gave up four earned runs in five innings. Even with the elevated ERA, he recorded eight strikeouts and only two walks, demonstrating a promising strikeout profile. His repertoire features a mid-80s curveball, complemented by a two-seam and four-seam fastball duo clocking in at 93-94 mph — components that the Philadelphia pitching staff aims to refine.
Having been drafted in the 37th round out of the University of New Haven, Walker is familiar with the grind. He made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2023 and has since moved between organizations, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Blue Jays. He has a 6.46 ERA over 30.2 MLB innings, but his capability to avoid contact — evident in both the majors and minors — is still a valuable trait that should be nurtured.
Walker has recorded 11.1 innings with a 3.18 ERA and 14 strikeouts at Triple-A Buffalo this season so far. His control can be inconsistent, but his 27% strikeout rate in the minors indicates potential. The fact that he was assigned straight away to Triple-A Lehigh Valley shows that the Phillies intend for him to find consistency there before they think about promoting him to the major leagues.
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