In the latest injury setback for the Philadelphia Phillies, starting pitcher Taijuan Walker is undergoing tests on his right shoulder after experiencing stiffness during a bullpen session. Manager Rob Thomson revealed that Walker's shoulder "didn't feel right," prompting the team to send him for further evaluation in Clearwater. The test results are expected to be available on Sunday, but it appears likely that Walker will begin the season on the injured list.

This news compounds the Phillies' pitching woes, as reliever Orion Kerkering will also start the season on the injured list due to a weeklong bout with the flu. With both pitchers sidelined, right-hander Spencer Turnbull is expected to step into the rotation. Turnbull, who was originally signed for rotation depth, showcased his skills during a successful relief appearance against the Yankees, holding them scoreless over three innings.

For Walker, this injury adds to his previous setback earlier in the spring when he experienced soreness in his right knee. The right-hander struggled in his most recent outing against the Orioles, surrendering seven runs in just 2⅔ innings. Despite demonstrating increased velocity in his fastball, Walker expressed confidence in his overall physical condition, describing himself as "very athletic" and appreciative of the team's hard work.

The Phillies will now rely on Turnbull's abilities as they navigate through the absence of Walker and Kerkering. Turnbull, who has battled injuries throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery, has made only seven starts since 2021. However, his strong performance against the Yankees, aided by the effectiveness of his newly added slider variant, instills hope for his contribution to the rotation.

The ripple effect of Walker's injury extends to the bullpen, as Turnbull's transition to the rotation creates an opening for a long reliever. Candidates such as Luis Ortiz, Yunior Marte, Connor Brogdon, and nonroster invitees José Ruiz and Andrew Bellatti will vie for the available spots. Manager Rob Thomson expressed concern about the late injury news, emphasizing the importance of having sufficient depth in the pitching staff.

In other on-field developments, Bryce Harper took the field at first base for five innings, going 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly. Outfielder Johan Rojas continues to impress as he rolls a single and steals a base, solidifying his position as the front-runner for the center-field job. Additionally, Cristian Pache made an impact at the plate with three hits, including a ground-rule double.

Looking ahead, new father Aaron Nola is set to make his final spring-training appearance against the Blue Jays on Sunday. Nola, whose wife recently gave birth to their first child, will use this opportunity to fine-tune his performance before the start of the regular season.

As the Phillies await the test results on Taijuan Walker's shoulder, the team remains hopeful for a swift recovery that will allow him to rejoin the rotation. In the meantime, the organization is focused on maximizing the potential of their available pitching options and ensuring the depth of their bullpen heading into the upcoming season.