Multiple web search results confirm that Taijuan Walker was released by the Phillies after struggling significantly, including a 9.13 ERA over five appearances, and losing to the Cubs on Wednesday.

Two separate web search results cite the details of the contract: a four-year, $72 million deal, and the remaining money owed, though one source specifies $36 million for both 2025 and 2026, while the claim specifies $18 million. However, the core facts (4 years, $72M, remaining money) are consistently reported across multiple sources.

Multiple web search results confirm that the Phillies dropped to an 8-16 record, tying them with the Mets for the worst record in the National League.

Web search results confirm that questions about Walker's future date back to 2024, specifically mentioning the time when the Phillies demoted him to the bullpen.

Two distinct web search results provide specific statistics for Walker's 2023 season (15-6, 4.38 ERA) and his 2024 season (3-7, 7.10 ERA), corroborating the claim's details.

A web search result directly quotes the statistics mentioned in the claim: Walker allowed the most runs (25) and earned runs (23) among all pitchers entering Thursday, with the specific runs surrendered across five outings listed.

Multiple web search results confirm that on Wednesday against the Cubs, Walker allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits in four innings, despite the Phillies using an opener.

One web search result confirms Walker's career stats with the Phillies (24-25, 5.12 ERA, 89 games). The claim regarding him being the 'second notable player' is context-specific and not independently verifiable by the provided sources, but the core stats are corroborated.