Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker is being shifted from the starting rotation to the bullpen as the team retools its pitching staff. "I think Tai's got a chance to make us a lot better coming out of the ‘pen,

The Phillies have a glut of starting pitching and a dearth of relief. Mick Abel will fill Walker’s starting spot Thursday in Toronto. The Phillies have four capable starters, plus the injured Aaron Nola, plus Abel, plus Andrew Painter once July arrives. That leaves no room for Walker.

The Phillies are restructuring their bullpen by removing Taijuan Walker from the rotation and recalling right-handed reliever Seth Johnson.