Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker appeared upset after Philadelphia lost to the Diamondbacks in the NLCS, posting a cryptic message on social media after the team didn’t use him in the playoffs. The veteran ”liked” posts criticizing manager Rob Thomson on social media in addition to sharing his own thoughts.
“Disrespect is at an all-time high,” he wrote on social media just a few hours after the Phillies’ elimination.
During the Phillies final press conference of the season Thursday, Thomson said he has no problem with Walker’s frustration.
“People get emotional. He’s a competitive guy. I love Taijuan. I really do. This guy gave us 15 wins. Every time he goes out to the mound, he competes until we take him out, and then he never wants to come out. And I want a guy like that,” Thomson said, via The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Alex Coffey. “So that type of thing doesn’t bother me. I’ll call him at some point. But I love him. I love his demeanor. I love his toughness. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
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President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski also gave his opinion on the matter, saying it’s not unusual for players to get upset over a lack of playing time in the playoffs.
“It happens when guys don’t pitch or don’t play at a particular time,” Dombrowski said. “I don’t mind that they get upset.”
Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies last offseason then went 15-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 31 games during the season. However, when Philadelphia needed a fourth starter in the NLCS, Thomson opted for Christopher Sanchez over Walker in Game 4, which Philadelphia ultimately lost.
