Just a number of days after being granted his launch by the Los Angeles Angels, Taijuan Walker is again within the group.
On Thursday, the Angels introduced that they had re-signed Walker to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Salt Lake. The veteran right-hander is beginning Thursday evening’s sport for the Bees in opposition to Reno, an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Walker, 33, started 2026 within the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation however was launched on April 23 following a tough begin to the common season. In 5 appearances (4 begins), the right-hander allowed 23 earned runs and eight house runs over 22.2 innings, leading to a 9.13 ERA. It marked the tip of a disappointing four-year stint with the Phillies, who signed him to a $72 million contract forward of the 2023 season.
A month after his launch, Walker joined the Angels on a non-roster deal. He made a few appearances within the Complex League earlier than reporting to Salt Lake, the place he tossed 4.2 innings of two-run ball in his lone Triple-A begin. The 14-year veteran triggered an opt-out in his contract on Monday, permitting him to take a look at the marketplace for a possible main league alternative.
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With no main league alternatives presenting themselves, Walker will proceed making an attempt to rebuild his worth in Triple-A. The former All-Star posted a 4.08 ERA over 34 appearances (21 begins) with Philadelphia final season, however his strikeout price, stroll price, and WHIP have all been trending within the incorrect route lately.
Philadelphia stays on the hook for the rest of Walker’s $18 million wage, which means the Angels would pay him solely the prorated $780,000 league minimal if he spends any time on their main league roster. Los Angeles does have a gap for the ultimate rotation spot after shedding Jack Kochanowicz to Tommy John surgical procedure earlier this week, however Sam Aldegheri will get the primary crack at filling that function throughout Friday’s sequence opener.
The Angels have a 27-42 file and are in final place within the American League West division. They maintain the worst file within the AL and second-worst file in all of baseball behind the 26-43 Colorado Rockies.
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This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.