After Walker’s disastrous outing against the Kansas City Royals on August 23, many assumed he would be relegated to a low-leverage bullpen role. But it seems that Thomson and the Phillies’ front office saw something different from what most fans and analysts witnessed.

While most of us cringed as Walker surrendered eight hits (including two home runs) and six earned runs in just three innings, Thomson and the Phillies’ coaching staff apparently saw enough potential to give him another start against the AL Central-leading Astros.

This leads to a pressing $72 million question: What are the Phillies trying to achieve here? Right now, it looks like the team is more focused on justifying Walker’s hefty contract than on fielding the best possible lineup and winning crucial games during this pivotal stretch of the season.

Walker’s Struggles Aren’t a New Issue

Friday’s three-inning debacle was just the latest in a string of poor performances. In his previous two starts, Walker was similarly ineffective, allowing eight hits and six earned runs in just 8 2/3 innings combined. The Phillies have now lost eight consecutive games in which Walker has started. Over 13 starts this season, Walker has posted a 3-5 record with a 6.26 ERA in 64 2/3 innings, allowing 74 hits and 45 earned runs.

There is little evidence to suggest that Walker is on the verge of a turnaround, which makes the decision to give him the ball again on Wednesday all the more baffling.

Rob Thomson’s Defense of Walker

Speaking to reporters before Monday night’s game, Thomson explained why Walker would remain in the rotation.

“I was encouraged by his velocity, I know he threw some pitches down the middle, but he got behind as well,” Thomson said. “I think he deserves, because of who he is [and] his experience, he deserves another shot.”

When asked whether Walker’s contract influenced the decision, Thomson acknowledged that while a change could be made, he doesn’t feel it’s necessary right now.

“We can always make a change,” Thomson added. “But I’m confident he’s going to bounce back at this point. Maybe not everyone is, but I am, but that’s who I am.”

Thomson’s reputation as a player’s manager is well known, and his approach has generally been successful in fostering a positive clubhouse culture. However, his loyalty to Walker in this situation seems more like stubbornness than sound strategy.

Who’s Really Making the Call?

This decision seems to prioritize one player’s contract over the success of the entire team. It’s worth remembering that just last October, Thomson lost faith in Walker to the point that the pitcher didn’t make a single postseason appearance, even when the bullpen was overworked during the NLCS.

Now, Thomson appears to be swinging in the opposite direction, unwilling to remove Walker from the rotation despite his ongoing struggles. While fans are focused on the Phillies’ chances of winning a World Series, the front office seems preoccupied with justifying Walker’s $72 million, four-year deal.

At this stage of the season, it makes little sense to continue trying to fix Walker’s mechanical and confidence issues. If the Phillies truly want to get him back on track, it should be addressed in the offseason with a revamped training program and an emphasis on developing his pitching skills.

In the meantime, other pitchers like Kolby Allard and Tyler Phillips have shown they can handle the responsibility of pitching every fifth day and giving the Phillies a chance to win. A change is long overdue.p