Phillies' Losing Streak and Taijuan Walker's Release The Philadelphia Phillies are enduring a nine-game losing streak as they struggle through a challenging season, with star player Bryce Harper expressing frustration over the team's recent performance. The skid, now at nine games, was highlighted by a four-game sweep by the Chicago Cubs, during which the Phillies were outscored 27-14. The loss came after an 8-7 defeat in 10 innings on Thursday, marking a significant low point for a team that had previously dominated the National League East. Harper, who has been a key figure for the Phillies, admitted to feeling the weight of the situation, stating, "I can't remember something like this in my career." He emphasized the need for the team to overcome the slump, saying, "We got to get through it. Obviously, we don't want to be where we are right now." Harper acknowledged the challenges of such a losing streak but remained hopeful, noting that teams have historically navigated similar situations. "I think you could probably tell me better if we have been through this, or other teams that I've played with have been through this," he said. "But I know teams that have been through this and been through the mud a little bit and still climbed out of it. Yeah, we got to do it." The Phillies' struggles were compounded by the decision to release veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker on Thursday. Walker, who had been with the team for four years under a $72 million contract, was let go after posting a dismal 9.13 ERA. His performance against the Cubs on Thursday, where he gave up four earned runs in four innings, sealed his fate.#chicago_cubs #taijuan_walker #philadelphia_phillies #rob_thomson #bryce_harper
Phillies Seek Series Win in Finale Against Diamondbacks The Philadelphia Phillies are set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the decisive game of their three-game series, aiming to secure a crucial victory. After a three-game losing streak, the Phillies ended their slump with a 4-3 win on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in their campaign. The victory was driven by a strong performance from veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker, who had struggled in his previous starts but delivered a solid outing. Walker’s efforts, combined with a standout offensive display from the team’s top stars, helped secure the win. The Phillies’ offense was highlighted by a back-to-back home run performance from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the third inning. Their consecutive blasts proved to be the difference in the game, lifting the team to a much-needed win. With the series now on the line, the Phillies will look to capitalize on their momentum in Sunday’s matchup against the Diamondbacks. The game is scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, at 1:35 PM EST at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fans can catch the action on NBCSP, with radio coverage available on 94 WIP and 106.1 Rumba. The Phillies will be relying on their young starter, Andrew Painter, to carry the team. Painter, the organization’s top prospect, has faced mixed results this season. His debut against the Washington Nationals was impressive, lasting 5.1 innings and allowing just one run, but his second start against the San Francisco Giants was less successful, as he allowed nine hits and four runs in four innings. Despite the inconsistencies, the Phillies are counting on Painter to step up in the high-stakes series finale. Arizona’s pitching staff will be led by Zac Gallen, one of the Diamondbacks’ most reliable starters.#taijuan_walker #philadelphia_phillies #kyle_schwarber #arizona_diamondbacks #bryce_harper
Bryce Harper is keeping close tabs on Flyers’ playoff push: ‘Just awesome to see’ SAN FRANCISCO — Bryce Harper, a Golden Knights fan, tuned in to watch the Flyers’ overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, even as the Phillies traveled from Colorado to California. The game, which secured the Flyers’ first playoff berth since January 12, was a moment Harper couldn’t miss. He followed the action closely, flipping to the broadcast just in time to see rookie Porter Martone score his first NHL goal on the power play, sending the Flyers into playoff position. Harper praised the game’s intensity, calling it “just awesome to see.” He highlighted the dramatic nature of the overtime scenario, where the Flyers faced a five-on-three advantage, emphasizing the pressure and excitement that comes with such moments. “You’re five-on-three, you better score,” he said, reflecting on the game’s unpredictability. Martone, a 19-year-old winger who joined the Flyers after his college team, Michigan State, was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, made his NHL debut on March 31. His goal came just days after Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter made his MLB debut, marking a rare alignment of new talent in both leagues. Harper took to TikTok to celebrate Martone’s achievement, acknowledging the rookie’s impact on the Flyers’ season. Harper, a Las Vegas native, has been a Golden Knights fan since the team’s founding in 2017. He described the Stanley Cup playoffs as a transformative experience for a city, and he hopes the Flyers can replicate that energy in Philadelphia. “It’s exciting to see what that looks like in Philly,” he said. “The Flyers have had huge success early in the franchise, but it’s been a little tough in recent years. I’m excited to see what playoff hockey is all about.#michigan_state #philadelphia #bryce_harper #flyers #porter_martone
‘Phillies Extra’ Q&A: Scott Boras on extending Bryce Harper’s ‘legacy’ in Philly The agent joined The Inquirer's baseball show to discuss a variety of topics, including Harper’s future, and the long-awaited smashing debut of rookie righty Andrew Painter. Published April 6, 2026, 2:59 p.m. ET A few weeks ago, the Phillies reworked ace lefty Cristopher Sánchez’s contract. In addition to picking up two club options, they tacked on two additional seasons, turning a four-year guarantee into an eight-year pact with deferred money. Could a similar arrangement be in the works for Bryce Harper? “In my discussions with [owner] John [Middleton] and [president of baseball operations] Dave [Dombrowski], they’re fully aware that Bryce has a legacy that he wants to fulfill in Philadelphia beyond the current contract,” agent Scott Boras said in this week’s episode of Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast. “And we’ve already had discussions about that as we go forward.” Harper, 33, has repeatedly expressed a desire to play into his 40s. He’s eight seasons into a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies that runs through his age-38 season. Boras has previously conveyed Harper’s interest in revising the contract. But the deal doesn’t include an opt-out provision that would give Harper leverage to renegotiate. In a wide-ranging conversation, Boras discussed Harper’s future, the long-awaited smashing debut of rookie righty Andrew Painter, the looming labor fight between baseball’s players and owners, and more.#scott_boras #john_middleton #dave_dombrowski #bryce_harper #andrew_painter
