Walker pitched three scoreless innings out of the bullpen on Saturday. "With the work that he’s put in and the improvements that he’s made, I think he’s deserved it," manager Rob Thomson said.

Taijuan Walker will start on Thursday against the New York Mets, Rob Thomson announced on Monday night. The Phillies have struggled to find a consistent 5th starter this season, just like every other team in baseball.

The Phillies’ new No. 5 starter is the old No. 5 starter. Taijuan Walker will start Thursday night’s series opener against the Mets at Citi Field, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday before the series opener against the Brewers at American Family Field.