Taijuan Walker

Yes it came against a dreadful Colorado lineup and he didn't have to face it in Coors Field, but that's still a heck of a 2025 debut for Walker. He scattered three hits with one walk, and he punched out four in an efficient six innings. A nice outing to be sure, but it's more than fair to be skeptical of Walker as an option. He'll face Atlanta on Wednesday.

Taijuan Walker exceeded expectations in his 2025 debut Thursday, pitching six scoreless innings in the Phillies' 3-1 victory over the Rockies.

Suarez has been playing catch as he begins to ramp back up from his back injury, but he has yet to work up to bullpens, so his timeline is unclear at this time. Taijuan Walker will replace him in the rotation but should not be on fantasy radars.

Luzardo and Aaron Nola will follow ace Zack Wheeler to close out Philadelphia's season-opening series against the Nationals before Cristopher Sanchez draws an extremely favorable home matchup against the Rockies. Taijuan Walker will be skipped the first time through the rotation, but could wind up pitching in long relief, if needed. This group has a chance to be one of the best starting rotations in baseball and that's before the addition of top pitching prospect Andrew Painter, who is expected to be ready to roll around midseason. Look out.

Taijuan Walker will be the Phillies fifth starter.