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Deadspin | Struggling Phillies release RHP Taijuan Walker  Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) reacts against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images   The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran starter Taijuan Walker on Thursday despite  million remaining on his contract.  He signed a four-year,  million contract with Philadelphia in December 2022.  At 8-16, the Phillies are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League, and Walker was a contributor to those woes.  The 33-year-old pitched in five games (four starts) and was 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA. He allowed 25 runs (23 earned) in 22 2/3 innings on 36 hits and 11 walks. Eight of those hits were home runs.  Staff ace Zack Wheeler is scheduled to return to the pitching rotation on Saturday after a lengthy recovery from surgery to treat a blood clot in his shoulder last September.   Walker was a first-round draft pick in 2010 by the Seattle Mariners, one of his five major league stops. He had been with the Phillies since 2023 and appeared in 89 games (71 starts), posting a 24-25 record and a 5.12 ERA in his three-plus seasons in Philadelphia.  In his career, Walker has pitched in 256 games (234 starts) with the Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Mets and Phillies. He has a 78-75 record and a 4.27 ERA.  The Phillies also announced a swap of right-handed pitchers with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. They recalled Nolan Hoffman and optioned Alan Rangel.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Struggling #Phillies #release #RHP #Taijuan #Walker

Deadspin | Struggling Phillies release RHP Taijuan Walker
Deadspin | Struggling Phillies release RHP Taijuan Walker  Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) reacts against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images   The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran starter Taijuan Walker on Thursday despite  million remaining on his contract.  He signed a four-year,  million contract with Philadelphia in December 2022.  At 8-16, the Phillies are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League, and Walker was a contributor to those woes.  The 33-year-old pitched in five games (four starts) and was 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA. He allowed 25 runs (23 earned) in 22 2/3 innings on 36 hits and 11 walks. Eight of those hits were home runs.  Staff ace Zack Wheeler is scheduled to return to the pitching rotation on Saturday after a lengthy recovery from surgery to treat a blood clot in his shoulder last September.   Walker was a first-round draft pick in 2010 by the Seattle Mariners, one of his five major league stops. He had been with the Phillies since 2023 and appeared in 89 games (71 starts), posting a 24-25 record and a 5.12 ERA in his three-plus seasons in Philadelphia.  In his career, Walker has pitched in 256 games (234 starts) with the Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Mets and Phillies. He has a 78-75 record and a 4.27 ERA.  The Phillies also announced a swap of right-handed pitchers with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. They recalled Nolan Hoffman and optioned Alan Rangel.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Struggling #Phillies #release #RHP #Taijuan #WalkerMar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) reacts against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran starter Taijuan Walker on Thursday despite $15 million remaining on his contract.

He signed a four-year, $72 million contract with Philadelphia in December 2022.

At 8-16, the Phillies are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League, and Walker was a contributor to those woes.

The 33-year-old pitched in five games (four starts) and was 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA. He allowed 25 runs (23 earned) in 22 2/3 innings on 36 hits and 11 walks. Eight of those hits were home runs.


Staff ace Zack Wheeler is scheduled to return to the pitching rotation on Saturday after a lengthy recovery from surgery to treat a blood clot in his shoulder last September.

Walker was a first-round draft pick in 2010 by the Seattle Mariners, one of his five major league stops. He had been with the Phillies since 2023 and appeared in 89 games (71 starts), posting a 24-25 record and a 5.12 ERA in his three-plus seasons in Philadelphia.

In his career, Walker has pitched in 256 games (234 starts) with the Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Mets and Phillies. He has a 78-75 record and a 4.27 ERA.

The Phillies also announced a swap of right-handed pitchers with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. They recalled Nolan Hoffman and optioned Alan Rangel.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Phillies #release #RHP #Taijuan #Walker

Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) reacts against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran starter Taijuan Walker on Thursday despite $15 million remaining on his contract.

He signed a four-year, $72 million contract with Philadelphia in December 2022.

At 8-16, the Phillies are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League, and Walker was a contributor to those woes.

The 33-year-old pitched in five games (four starts) and was 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA. He allowed 25 runs (23 earned) in 22 2/3 innings on 36 hits and 11 walks. Eight of those hits were home runs.

Staff ace Zack Wheeler is scheduled to return to the pitching rotation on Saturday after a lengthy recovery from surgery to treat a blood clot in his shoulder last September.

Walker was a first-round draft pick in 2010 by the Seattle Mariners, one of his five major league stops. He had been with the Phillies since 2023 and appeared in 89 games (71 starts), posting a 24-25 record and a 5.12 ERA in his three-plus seasons in Philadelphia.

In his career, Walker has pitched in 256 games (234 starts) with the Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Mets and Phillies. He has a 78-75 record and a 4.27 ERA.

The Phillies also announced a swap of right-handed pitchers with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. They recalled Nolan Hoffman and optioned Alan Rangel.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Struggling #Phillies #release #RHP #Taijuan #Walker

Akeal Hosein doesn’t quite fit the conventional mould of a PowerPlay bowler.

A left-arm spinner entrusted with the new ball in a format dictated by power-hitters, Hosein has turned that role into an advantage — as he showed in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) emphatic win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

His spell of four for 17 not only broke the back of the MI chase but also underlined his growing influence this season. Having featured just once in the 2023 IPL, Hosein has made rapid strides, with his ability to read surfaces quickly and adapt lengths emerging as his x-factor.

“I’ve been trying to pick the coaches’ and players’ brains on red soil, black soil… what works where,” Hosein said, explaining the homework behind his execution. The key, he added, lies in making quick assessments — understanding pace off the surface, which deliveries grip and which skid — and relaying that information to his fellow bowlers.

Bowling in the PowerPlay, he admitted, comes with inherent risk. With only two fielders outside the circle, margins are thin. But Hosein’s approach is rooted in clarity and courage.

“You know the batters are going to come at you… it’s about being brave,” he said, before revealing a piece of advice from Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies T20 legend who is now a mentor with Kolkata Knight Riders, that has stayed with him. “If you are going to get hit, at least get hit to the two fielders protecting the boundary.”

That clarity of plan — bowl to the field, commit to the delivery — has allowed Hosein to thrive in phases where most spinners are shielded.

If his bowling has been about control, his celebrations have added a touch of theatre. The now-familiar “mask” gesture after wickets, he insisted, carries no deeper meaning.

“Everybody seems to have their own mask. Noor has a mask, a couple of footballers have their masks, so I just chose this one. I just chose this one to be my mask,” Hosein said.

“Nothing too much behind it. It’s just about, you know, celebrating small victories. Whenever you do well, you get a wicket. Whenever your teammates get a wicket as well, you just try to enjoy that moment and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”

CSK will be hoping for Hosein’s mask celebrations to continue for the remaining season.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Akeal #Hosein #rewrites #PowerPlay #playbook #Chennai #Super #Kings">MI vs CSK, IPL 2026: Akeal Hosein rewrites PowerPlay playbook with Chennai Super Kings  Akeal Hosein doesn’t quite fit the conventional mould of a PowerPlay bowler.A left-arm spinner entrusted with the new ball in a format dictated by power-hitters, Hosein has turned that role into an advantage — as he showed in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) emphatic win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).His spell of four for 17 not only broke the back of the MI chase but also underlined his growing influence this season. Having featured just once in the 2023 IPL, Hosein has made rapid strides, with his ability to read surfaces quickly and adapt lengths emerging as his x-factor.“I’ve been trying to pick the coaches’ and players’ brains on red soil, black soil… what works where,” Hosein said, explaining the homework behind his execution. The key, he added, lies in making quick assessments — understanding pace off the surface, which deliveries grip and which skid — and relaying that information to his fellow bowlers.Bowling in the PowerPlay, he admitted, comes with inherent risk. With only two fielders outside the circle, margins are thin. But Hosein’s approach is rooted in clarity and courage.“You know the batters are going to come at you… it’s about being brave,” he said, before revealing a piece of advice from Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies T20 legend who is now a mentor with Kolkata Knight Riders, that has stayed with him. “If you are going to get hit, at least get hit to the two fielders protecting the boundary.”That clarity of plan — bowl to the field, commit to the delivery — has allowed Hosein to thrive in phases where most spinners are shielded.If his bowling has been about control, his celebrations have added a touch of theatre. The now-familiar “mask” gesture after wickets, he insisted, carries no deeper meaning.“Everybody seems to have their own mask. Noor has a mask, a couple of footballers have their masks, so I just chose this one. I just chose this one to be my mask,” Hosein said.“Nothing too much behind it. It’s just about, you know, celebrating small victories. Whenever you do well, you get a wicket. Whenever your teammates get a wicket as well, you just try to enjoy that moment and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”CSK will be hoping for Hosein’s mask celebrations to continue for the remaining season.Published on Apr 24, 2026  #CSK #IPL #Akeal #Hosein #rewrites #PowerPlay #playbook #Chennai #Super #Kings

Deadspin | Reports: Mets recall Ronny Mauricio, signaling IL stint for Francisco Lindor  Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio (0) catches a ground ball as infielder Francisco Lindor (12) watches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images   Francisco Lindor appears headed to the injured list with a calf strain sustained Wednesday in the New York Mets’ first win in the past 12 games, with Ronny Mauricio getting the call to replace him on the roster.   Mauricio is batting .293 with an OPS of .987 for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse.   Lindor was heating up at the plate, but there has been nothing wrong with Mauricio’s swing of late. He belted three home runs on Tuesday night to give him six in 58 at-bats in the minors this season along with five stolen bases and 13 RBIs.  Mauricio, 25, had one hit in four at-bats in a brief stint with the Mets earlier this season.   Lindor had two hits in two at-bats on Wednesday before exiting with calf tightness. He’s batting .226 on the season. But Lindor was settling in over the past nine games with 11 hits in 33 at-bats to raise his average from .188.  Lindor’s injury occurred in Juan Soto’s first game since he went down with a calf injury against the San Francisco Giants on April 3. The Mets lost 12 consecutive games after a 4-4 start with Soto in the lineup and entered Thursday with an 8-16 record.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Reports #Mets #recall #Ronny #Mauricio #signaling #stint #Francisco #LindorFeb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio (0) catches a ground ball as infielder Francisco Lindor (12) watches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Francisco Lindor appears headed to the injured list with a calf strain sustained Wednesday in the New York Mets’ first win in the past 12 games, with Ronny Mauricio getting the call to replace him on the roster.

Mauricio is batting .293 with an OPS of .987 for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse.

Lindor was heating up at the plate, but there has been nothing wrong with Mauricio’s swing of late. He belted three home runs on Tuesday night to give him six in 58 at-bats in the minors this season along with five stolen bases and 13 RBIs.


Mauricio, 25, had one hit in four at-bats in a brief stint with the Mets earlier this season.

Lindor had two hits in two at-bats on Wednesday before exiting with calf tightness. He’s batting .226 on the season. But Lindor was settling in over the past nine games with 11 hits in 33 at-bats to raise his average from .188.

Lindor’s injury occurred in Juan Soto’s first game since he went down with a calf injury against the San Francisco Giants on April 3. The Mets lost 12 consecutive games after a 4-4 start with Soto in the lineup and entered Thursday with an 8-16 record.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reports #Mets #recall #Ronny #Mauricio #signaling #stint #Francisco #Lindor">Deadspin | Reports: Mets recall Ronny Mauricio, signaling IL stint for Francisco Lindor  Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio (0) catches a ground ball as infielder Francisco Lindor (12) watches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images   Francisco Lindor appears headed to the injured list with a calf strain sustained Wednesday in the New York Mets’ first win in the past 12 games, with Ronny Mauricio getting the call to replace him on the roster.   Mauricio is batting .293 with an OPS of .987 for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse.   Lindor was heating up at the plate, but there has been nothing wrong with Mauricio’s swing of late. He belted three home runs on Tuesday night to give him six in 58 at-bats in the minors this season along with five stolen bases and 13 RBIs.  Mauricio, 25, had one hit in four at-bats in a brief stint with the Mets earlier this season.   Lindor had two hits in two at-bats on Wednesday before exiting with calf tightness. He’s batting .226 on the season. But Lindor was settling in over the past nine games with 11 hits in 33 at-bats to raise his average from .188.  Lindor’s injury occurred in Juan Soto’s first game since he went down with a calf injury against the San Francisco Giants on April 3. The Mets lost 12 consecutive games after a 4-4 start with Soto in the lineup and entered Thursday with an 8-16 record.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Reports #Mets #recall #Ronny #Mauricio #signaling #stint #Francisco #Lindor

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