The Philadelphia Phillies will rely on pitcher Taijuan Walker as they seek their second consecutive road series victory against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. This matchup is pivotal as it concludes a three-game series, with Walker likely facing a changing role in the team’s rotation. With fellow right-hander Aaron Nola expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 7, 2023, Walker understands the competitive landscape he is in.
“**Aaron’s coming back at some point, so I assume that I’ll be the odd man out, which is fine**,” Walker stated. “I built a pretty good routine. My job is just to go out there and pitch and get outs.” Currently, Walker holds a record of 3-5 with a 3.84 ERA, showcasing his adaptability as he has transitioned between starting and relief roles throughout the season.
Walker began the season in the rotation, making six starts from April 3 to May 1 before moving to the bullpen, where he achieved a three-inning save. He rejoined the starting lineup in late May but has since returned to relief. In his last three starts, Walker has notched no-decisions, allowing seven earned runs over 13 2/3 innings. His most recent outing saw him surrender three runs from solo home runs during a game against the New York Yankees, where he fell just short of a quality start.
On the other side, Adrian Houser of the White Sox is also in the spotlight. He recently signed a one-year contract valued at $1.35 million on May 20, 2023, and has been a reliable asset for Chicago, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.10 ERA. His recent performance against the Chicago Cubs included taking a shutout into the seventh inning, ultimately allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings.
Houser’s success has sparked discussions around potential trade opportunities as the July trade deadline approaches. He remains focused amid the speculation. “Whatever’s in the future is out of my control,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on his preparation and mechanics. “Just glad I can keep helping out the team. That’s all I’m trying to do.”
The Phillies and White Sox have each secured victories in the series thus far, with Philadelphia winning 6-3 on Tuesday after Chicago claimed the opener 6-2 on Monday. In that game, Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh each contributed two-run homers, while the White Sox made a late-game push with three runs in the ninth inning, showcasing the efforts of Lenyn Sosa, who is batting .444 with six RBIs over his last five games.
Historically, Walker has faced the White Sox five times, achieving a 3-2 record and a 3.64 ERA over 29 2/3 innings. In contrast, Houser has made eight appearances against the Phillies, with a record of 1-2 and a 3.90 ERA.
As both teams prepare for this crucial match, the performances of Walker and Houser will be critical in determining the outcome of the series.
