Philadelphia Phillies Place Pitcher On Waivers; Recall All-Star Starter

The Philadelphia Phillies have made the decision to place right-hander Ricardo Pinto on waivers, clearing a spot on their 26-man roster for Taijuan Walker, who is set to return from the injured list.

Pinto, 30, has struggled significantly this season, posting a 10.97 ERA across six relief appearances, amounting to 10.2 innings pitched.

The Phillies activated RHP Taijuan Walker from the 15-Day Injured List.

RHP Ricardo Pinto has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/tYI6SbS1TB

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) April 28, 2024

His performance saw him allowing 13 earned runs while striking out eight and walking five. This marks another challenging phase in Pinto’s career, which includes previous stints with the Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays, as well as time in the KBO league.

Over his three-year MLB career, the 30-year-old holds a 9.07 ERA, 2.02 WHIP, with 33 strikeouts across 42.2 innings and 33 appearances.

Prior to today’s game against the San Diego Padres, the Phillies returned RHP Taijuan Walker from his rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley (AAA) and reinstated him from the 15-day IL. To make room for him on the 26-man roster, RHP Ricardo Pinto was DFA’d.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 28, 2024

This move allows the Phillies to bring back Taijuan Walker, aiming to bolster their pitching staff as they navigate the season.

Over the past four seasons, the 31-year-old Walker holds a 4.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, with 420 strikeouts across 495.1 innings and 91 appearances.

He was an All-Star in the 2021 season with the New York Mets.

Walker's return is timely as he comes off a shoulder impingement, looking to regain his form from a successful 2022 season with the New York Mets. The team hopes that his experience and past performance will stabilize their rotation and provide the necessary depth to compete effectively. Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports