Phillies' Walker exits start with right forearm tightness

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker departed Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners after four innings with right forearm tightness, the club announced.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said postgame that Walker's removal was precautionary, and he will be re-evaluated Thursday, according to Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation.

Walker surrendered five runs on five hits, including two home runs, and a pair of walks. He also stuck out six and threw 68 pitches.

Walker is in the first season of a four-year, $72-million contract. He owns a 2-1 record with a 4.97 ERA and 23 strikeouts across 25 1/3 innings.

The 30-year-old is the latest Phillies player to suffer an injury. Philadelphia has had to navigate the absences of Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, Ranger Suarez, Darick Hall, and Andrew Painter so far in 2023.