The Philadelphia Phillies are rolling to start the 2025 MLB season, boasting an 8-3 record ahead of Thursday's series finale with the Atlanta Braves. Not only has the red-hot start led to the Phillies sitting atop the NL East, but it also has their World Series odds sitting at +1100 on FanDuel Sportsbook — tied for third-best in the Majors.
The Phillies' strong start isn't possible without certain players meeting and going on expectations. While some of Philadelphia's top contributors have been obvious, others have been a surprise.
That includes one Phillies starter who only needed two weeks to prove his doubters wrong.
Phillies RHP Taijuan Walker Silences Doubters With Strong 2025 Start
Taijuan Walker is one Phillies vet who fans were unsure about heading into the 2025 campaign. The 32-year-old right-handed hurler was coming off a putrid 2024 performance that saw him go 3-7 with a career-worst 7.10 ERA in 19 appearances (15 starts), leaving him on the spring training bubble.
Walker's spring performance didn't do him any favors, as he finished the exhibition slate with a 7.41 ERA across 17 innings of work. While a similar performance would send other pitchers packing, the Phillies were forced to hold on to the Shreveport, LA native for just a bit longer due to LHP Ranger Suarez opening the season on the 15-day injured list.
The last-minute opportunity must've ignited something in Walker because he's looked like a completely different pitcher since the season began. Through his first two appearances, the former 2010 first-rounder has pitched 10 2/3 scoreless innings while racking up nine strikeouts with only eight hits allowed. He's also limited opposing batters to a .581 OPS, which is noticeably below his career average (.727).
Once again, have to give a MASSIVE S/O to Taijuan Walker…
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) April 10, 2025
Another phenomenal start today. Feels a little crazy to say, but through 2 starts he has a 0.00 ERA. Incredible stuff. Amazing teammate who hopefully found a little something. Love to see it!
pic.twitter.com/aQHt9x75MZ
Even though it's "only" two appearances, it looks like Walker has finally rediscovered his groove. The Phillies wouldn't mind if his turnaround is a sign that he's returned to his 2023 form that won a career-high 15 wins in his debut Phillies campaign.
After starting Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Braves, Walker will have another few days off before his next appearance. The San Francisco Giants will be visiting Citizens Bank Park for a four-game series next week, and it wouldn't be surprising if the 6-foot-4 righty opened the series based on his recent performances.
Whether or not Walker's stellar pitching extends all season or a few more weeks remains to be seen. In the meantime, Phillies fans won't complain about riding the momentum as long as it lasts.
More Philadelphia Phillies News & Rumors:
Odds update periodically and are subject to change.