Three weeks after being removed from the Phillies starting rotation, Taijuan Walker returns for another chance to redeem a lackluster season on Thursday against the Mets.
Walker was named the starter after impressing manager Rob Thomson with three scoreless innings in a 6-4 win over the Mets on Saturday.
With the postseason approaching, Thompson will have no choice but to take another look at Walker after trying three other pitchers at the fifth spot without success.
The regression of Walker's game is clear.
His projected ERA of 6.55 ranks in the bottom 1% of all pitchers, according to Statcast.
In his last appearance on Aug. 28, Walker allowed 13 hits and six earned runs in a 10-0 loss to the Phillies.
He has struck out just two batters in his past 14 innings, his strikeout rate per nine innings being the lowest of his career.
Luis Severino plays opposite him and has had two renaissance seasons.
He's adjusted his pitching issues while regaining confidence in his fastball, striking out batters at a nearly 3 percentage points higher rate than he did in a dismal 2023, according to Statcast.
Severino is 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA in five starts since his shutout win over the Marlins.
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He's looking to erase the two home runs and three earned runs he gave up to the Phillies in a decided game on Saturday.
Now, Severino will be comfortable returning to face them at Citi Field, where much of his success has come from, with a 2.86 ERA there, nearly two runs lower than his ERA on the road.
Walker returned from the bullpen with renewed confidence, but Thompson's pivot to Walker was a desperation move ripe for Severino's rhythm to take advantage of.
Play: Mets Moneyline (-135, DraftKings)
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Shawn Trepedi is responsible for predicting the NFL, NHL, MLB, and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on making predictions that reflect market value and tracking trends to mitigate risk.
