Sad day: Phillies sensension beast in full tears as he dropped out statement full of emotions……
Right shoulder impingement, or RHP Taijuan Walker
Walker’s anticipated comeback is unknown. He will start the 2024 season on the 15-day disabled list due to a right shoulder impingement. On March 23, he had a feeling while playing catch. He said that neither an MRI nor shots were necessary. All he needs to do is rest, he added.
“It feels healthy,” Walker said. “Strong. Did all the testing, everything tested strong. The ball is just not coming out the way I want it to. I got a little bit of an impingement, which is kind of normal. I’ve had it before in the past. Just rest and clear that out.”
Walker said he doesn’t know how much time he would miss, but with a shortened spring, he will need to strengthen his arms in addition to making sure his shoulder heals. He had missed time during camp due to a knee injury and personal matters. Walker’s place in the rotation will be held by right-hander Spencer Turnbull until he returns. (Updated as of March 24.)
RHP Orion Kerkering (illness)
Expected return: TBD
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Kerkering will open the season on the 15-day injured list. Kerkering has been sidelined since March 1 due to an illness.
Kerkering faced Minor Leaguers on March 20. His absence leaves three bullpen jobs available. Right-handers Yunior Marte and Luis F. Ortiz have thrown well this spring and could be front-runners for two of those jobs. Right-hander Spencer Turnbull is a good bet, unless he takes Taijuan Walker’s spot in the rotation. If Turnbull starts, it opens the possibility for Connor Brogdon, José Ruiz and Andrew Bellatti. (Last updated: March 23)
RHP Michael Rucker (right middle finger)
Expected return: TBD
Rucker has not pitched since March 1 because of numbness in his middle finger. The Phillies said it is not a nerve issue or thoracic outlet syndrome. (Last updated: March 23)
C Rafael Marchán (back)
Expected return: TBD
Marchán has been sidelined since February because of a back injury. He will open the season on the injured list. (Last updated: March 23)
RHP Andrew Painter (sprained UCL in right elbow)
Expected return: 2025
Painter had Tommy John surgery with ulnar nerve transposition surgery on July 25 in Los Angeles. Orthopedist Neal ElAttrache performed the procedures. The typical timeline to return to play is 15 to 18 months.
Painter, who is not on the 40-man roster, will miss the entire 2024 season, according to the Phillies. They first tried a conservative rehab process, following the opinions of their doctors and ElAttrache, who works closely with Painter’s agent Scott Boras.
“I know we’ll be looking at [Painter] and thinking in 2025 that he has a chance to be in our rotation at that time,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “But that’s a long time away.” (Last updated: Nov. 3)
