PhilaPhans

Cardinals(27-29) @ Phillies(41-18) Preview Phillies' Starting Lineup:
K Schwarber (L) DH
B Stott (L) SS
B Harper (L) 1B
A Bohm (R) 3B
B Marsh (L) LF
N Castellanos (R) RF
W Merrifield (R) 2B
G Stubbs (L) C
J Rojas (R) CF

Taijuan Walker RHP
(3-1, 5.51 ERA, 25 SO)

Cardinals' Starting Lineup:
M Winn (R) SS
A Burleson (L) LF
P Goldschmidt (R) 1B
N Gorman (L) 2B
N Arenado (R) 3B
M Carpenter (L) DH
I Herrera (R) C
D Carlson (S) RF
M Siani (L) CF

Lance Lynn RHP
(2-3, 3.45 ERA, 53 SO)

Umpires:
Home Plate - Jeremy Riggs
First Base - Adrian Johnson
Second Base - Junior Valentine
Third Base - Doug Eddings

TV: ESPN

I know the only reason Walker is in the starting rotation is because of his contract, but the team has to really consider removing him from it.

But then what?
Use up Turnbull's best and limited innings over the hot summer?
And what if a starter goes down for 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately there's really no one in Triple-A who can step in.

Walker will never be worth his contract, but there's absolutely value in letting him eat innings in June-July-August. Otherwise, more valuable arms -- or arms that are far worse than Walker -- have to get worn out in the heat of the summer.

If Rojas learns how to lay down solid bunts consistently, look out

Christopher wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:21 am But then what?
Use up Turnbull's best and limited innings over the hot summer?
And what if a starter goes down for 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately there's really no one in Triple-A who can step in.

Walker will never be worth his contract, but there's absolutely value in letting him eat innings in June-July-August. Otherwise, more valuable arms -- or arms that are far worse than Walker -- have to get worn out in the heat of the summer.

This. No one gets this.

We might be losing Ranger for his next two starts. Maybe even a DL stint. Can't just up and shuffle guys around. Walker can eat innings. Like it or not.

The object of baseball is to score more runs than the other team, not out pitch the other pitcher.