NEW YORK The Phillies hoped that Taijuan Walker could manage a few solid innings against the Mets' lineup on Thursday night at Citi Field. Instead, he once again reminded everyone of how far he's fallen since last season, highlighting the struggles that have plagued the team's No. 5 starter for months.

"It just didnt work out, " said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. "Thats on me. Ill take the blame for it."

Walker gave up eight runs over 3 1/3 innings in a 10-6 loss to the Mets, pushing the Phillies' chances of clinching their third straight postseason berth to at least Friday, and delaying their first NL East title in 13 years until at least Saturday.

Walker surrendered four home runs in the game: back-to-back solo shots to Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso in the first inning, a two-run blast to Brandon Nimmo in the third, and a three-run homer to Francisco Alvarez in the fourth.

Walkers season record is now 3-7 with a 6.91 ERA, the sixth-highest ERA in Phillies history and the highest for a Philly pitcher since 1930.

Its been a terrible season for me, Walker admitted.

Through 15 starts this year, Walker holds a 7.18 ERA and has allowed 24 home runs in 82 innings. Thats a staggering 2.63 home runs per nine innings, which ranks as the fifth-highest rate in MLB history. To put this in perspective, Jamie Moyer, who holds the all-time record for home runs allowed, gave up just 1.2 home runs per nine innings over his career.

"This has never happened to me before https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/jesus_luzardo_jersey-278, " Walker said. "Ive always been pretty consistent in my career. Going through this is frustrating. Weve got a really good team, and I want to be part of it and help, but Im just not doing my job right now."

Walker had shown some promise in a bullpen role this month, posting a 4.50 ERA in three appearances after being moved out of the rotation three weeks ago. His ERA was 9.17 in four starts following his return from the injured list.

The Phillies tried three other pitchers in his place, but none impressed enough to earn another start. Rookie Tyler Phillips allowed six runs in just two-thirds of an inning on Sept. 3, Seth Johnson gave up nine runs in 2 1/3 innings on Sept. 8, and Kolby Allard surrendered four runs over three innings last Saturday.

Combined, those three pitchers posted a dreadful 28.50 ERA in those starts. So, the Phillies gave Walker another chance, but it didnt pay off.

"The results just arent coming for me right now, " Walker said.

Despite the setbacks, the Phillies fought back after early Mets runs. Walker threw 50 pitches through the first three innings, his highest total since Aug. 28. "I felt great, " Walker said, noting his velocity was up by over 1 mph on all his pitches. "I didnt feel tired at all. Its frustrating because today, I really felt like I had my best stuff of the year."

With Walkers struggles and the teams tight schedule of 13 games in 13 days, there was speculation that someone else might take his turn in the rotation. However, Thomson opted not to use the bullpen too heavily.

"I'm not going to burn the bullpen, " Thomson said.

Walker hit J.D. Martinez to open the fourth inning, then walked Tyrone Taylor before giving up the three-run homer to Alvarez. "It happened pretty quickly, " Thomson said. "It was a poorly executed pitch, and he hit it out."

After facing two more batters, Walkers night ended.

Over the last eight starts by the Phillies No. 5 starters, they have posted an ERA of 14.14, with the team going 2-6 in those games. Walkers next scheduled start is on Tuesday against the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. While Thomson did not announce who would start https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/dave_cash_jersey-14, he hinted that multi-inning relievers like Allard and Tyler Gilbert could see significant time on the mound.

The question now is whether Walker will be part of the postseason roster. This will likely depend on his performance over the next few weeks.

"Ill just keep working, " Walker said. "It hasnt been a good year for me, but thats what it comes down to."



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