3 Phillies Depth Starters Who Could Replace Taijuan Walker if Needed
Phillies Face Early Rotation Challenge
The Philadelphia Phillies are already tapping into their rotation depth this season. With left-hander Ranger Suárez beginning the year on the 15-day injured list, manager Rob Thomson is turning to Taijuan Walker as the fifth starter sooner than expected.
Walker is set to make his 2025 season debut on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park, leaving Phillies fans uncertain about what to expect. Initially, the plan appeared to be shifting the $18 million right-hander to the bullpen to start the season. However, with Suárez sidelined, Walker—a 32-year-old veteran in his 13th MLB season—is back in the rotation earlier than anticipated.
Walker’s 2024 season was a struggle, making him an unsteady option for the starting five. His performance last year was one of the worst by a Phillies pitcher in decades, and even a stint in the bullpen didn’t provide much improvement. Now, with back-to-back poor outings in spring training, he’ll have to prove he can still be effective. While facing the Rockies could be a manageable start, Walker will need to deliver multiple solid performances before Suárez returns.
But what if Walker’s struggles continue? Who else could step in to fill the fifth spot in the rotation? Here are three potential in-house replacements the Phillies might turn to in case Walker becomes an unsustainable option.
1. Kyle Tyler, RHP
Already on the 40-man roster with a minor league option remaining, 28-year-old Kyle Tyler is a strong candidate for a call-up in an emergency. He spent most of 2024 in Triple-A, splitting time between Jacksonville and Lehigh Valley. In 18 games (16 starts), he posted a 4.18 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Tyler also saw some MLB action with the Miami Marlins, going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in 31 2/3 innings across eight appearances (seven starts).
This spring, Tyler made several Grapefruit League appearances, recording seven strikeouts and six walks over 9 1/3 innings. He started strong, allowing just two unearned runs in his first 7 2/3 innings before struggling in his final outing, surrendering five runs in 1 2/3 frames. Despite the late hiccup, he remains a viable rotation depth option.
2. Seth Johnson, RHP
Though his MLB debut last season was rough, the Phillies traded for Seth Johnson for a reason. Ranked as the team’s No. 13 prospect by MLB Pipeline, the 26-year-old right-hander has intriguing potential. He showcased his ability in his first Triple-A start of the 2025 season, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing five hits, one walk, and striking out five.
Johnson also had a brief but effective spring, appearing in two Grapefruit League games without allowing a run over 3 1/3 innings. While his command remains a work in progress, his 2.74 ERA across 23 Triple-A innings last season suggests he’s close to earning another shot at the majors. If he can limit walks, he could be a strong alternative to Walker.
3. Alan Rangel, RHP
Alan Rangel, 27, had a solid spring for the Phillies, allowing just one earned run over five innings in three Grapefruit League appearances (1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP). He struck out four while holding opposing hitters to a .176 batting average.
Signed by the Phillies last summer, Rangel posted a 4.30 ERA in 10 Triple-A appearances (five starts) for Lehigh Valley. His command and strikeout ability were impressive, recording 25 strikeouts against only eight walks in 29 1/3 innings. He finished the season strong, putting up a 1.76 ERA with 15 strikeouts and just one walk over his final 15 1/3 innings.
In his first Triple-A start this year, Rangel allowed three runs on four hits while striking out three and walking two over four innings. Despite making his minor league debut in 2015 with the Braves, he has yet to pitch in the majors. Given his strong finish last season and the fact that he has minor league options, he remains a possible replacement should the Phillies need another starter.
Final Thoughts
If Walker can’t find his form, the Phillies have a few internal options who could step into the rotation. While none of them are guaranteed fixes, Tyler, Johnson, and Rangel each bring different strengths that could help stabilize the back end of the starting staff. For now, the Phillies will give Walker the opportunity to prove himself, but they’ll be keeping a close eye on potential alternatives if things go south.
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