Jeremy

Walker

Walker is the lone cut from Phillies’ camp prior to Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. The 27-year-old righty signed a minor league deal with Philadelphia back in January and allowed just two runs (zero earned) with a 6/3 K/BB ratio across 7 1/3 innings (seven appearances, one start) this spring in Grapefruit League action.

Walker was acquired by the Rays last August from the Giants at the trade deadline for versatile catcher Ford Proctor. The 27-year-old righty made six relief appearances for the Braves back in 2019 and didn’t pitch for nearly two years afterwards due to shoulder issues. He provides the Phillies with some extra organizational relief depth.

Walker didn’t pitch at all from 2020-21 due to shoulder issues and has a 6.99 ERA this year at Triple-A. He last pitched in the majors in 2019.

Chandler Rome of Houston Chronicle says it will be reliever Jeremy Walker going to the Rays. Proctor can play all over the infield in addition to catcher.

Walker was released by the Braves a couple weeks ago but has found a new home. The 25-year-old dealt with shoulder problems in 2020 but pitched well in 2019 in his first year as a full-time reliever.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for waiver claim Travis Demeritte. Walker showed some promise in 2019 in his first full season as a reliever, but he battled shoulder issues last season.

Walker injured the shoulder back during the first spring training. He could conceivably return late in the season, but it’s unclear whether he has a shot to do so.

Walker has allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings during his time with the Braves over the last six weeks. If he can keep that up, he should more chances in close games and an opportunity to win a postseason roster spot.

Walker has allowed one run over four appearances in the majors this season. Patrick Weigel will replace him in the bullpen.

Walker will return to Atlanta’s bullpen mix ahead of Thursday night’s series opener against the Marlins. The 24-year-old right-hander threw three scoreless innings of relief with the Braves in July.