Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson gives update to reporters, including MLB on Taijuan Walker condition and Appearance with team

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson told MLB
com and other reporters that injured starting pitcher Taijuan Walker will return to the rotation Sunday when the Phillies play in San Diego.

The move is strategic
Walker, a right-hander, will pitch Sunday against the Padres, separating him from two left-handed starters who have been pitching in succession in the rotation: Rangers Suarez and Christopher Sanchez
That means Suarez will pitch Saturday and Sanchez on Monday.

Advertisement Walker made his third rehab start Sunday at Lehigh Valley, a start that almost guarantees he’s ready for the majors
He pitched 6
1 innings, allowing seven hits, four earned runs, and three walks
He also removed his one
He currently has a 1-0 record with a 4
50 ERA in 11 innings pitched in three rehab starts
Last week, Walker told reporters he felt he was ready to return to the rotation without having to start rehab for the third time.

He pitched in the bullpen Friday at Citizens Bank Park, but the Phillies wanted him to begin rehabbing one more time before returning to the team
Advertisement If Walker returns, the Phillies will need to make roster changes to make room
They had already indicated that Spencer Turnbull, who has earned a spot in the rotation, would likely be moved to the bullpen.

Philadelphia’s original plan was for Walker to make four rehab starts with the goal of stepping up by 15 pitches until he reached 100 pitches
He was then scheduled to return in early May
But the 31-year-old has made faster progress than expected.

Walker is an 11-year veteran who played his first season with the Phillies last year, starting 31 games and posting a 15-6 record with a 4
38 ERA
He had 138 strikeouts and 71 walks in 172
2 innings, setting career highs in the final inning