Walker struck out seven across three relief innings Wednesday. “He’s been great for us all year, and it’s just good to see him throw in ballgames," Trea Turner said.

The Philadelphia Phillies now have the rotation they envisioned coming into the season. Their aggressive move to acquire Jesus Luzardo to be the fifth starting pitcher has worked out in spades, with the star left-hander pitching at the top of his game for the Phillies so far this year.

That changed in his first relief appearance of 2025, where Walker threw three shutout innings, striking out seven Tampa Bay Rays hitters and securing his first career save in the 7-0 win. After the game, Walker spoke with NBC Sports Philadelphia about the experience and how it differs from his time in the starting rotation.