Braking: Phillies reveal when star will return to starting rotation after shoulder injury

The star will start for the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Corey Seidman.

LHP Kolby Allard was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley as one of a series of roster adjustments Friday, with Walker expected to reclaim one of the five rotation positions.

This will be Walker’s first start for the Phillies since June 21. He’s been on the disabled list with inflammation in his right index finger, which has limited his ability to throw his splitter, which he refers to as his “bread and butter.”

Walker also began the season in the IL with right shoulder discomfort. He’s made just ten starts in the second season of a four-year, $72 million contract, with a 5.60 ERA and 5.80 FIP.

 

 

While he struggled in the initial innings last year, he added value with his ability to eat innings during the regular season. Walker ended his debut season in Philadelphia with a 4.38 ERA and 4.53 FIP in 172 2/3 innings. He didn’t pitch in the postseason, which disappointed him, so his options were limited a year ago.

But between now and the playoffs, the Phillies wouldn’t mind Walker devouring innings like he did last year, helping to protect both their bullpen and some of the other starters in the rotation.