The Los Angeles Angels released right-hander Taijuan Walker from Triple-A Salt Lake, ending his second short minor league stint with the MLB organization this month.
MLB's official transactions API lists the Salt Lake Bees releasing Walker on June 20, 2026. MLB Trade Rumors reported the move as an unconditional release and noted that Walker had signed a minor league contract with the Angels on June 11 after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies in late April.
Walker Leaves Salt Lake Again
Walker, 33, made two starts for Salt Lake during this latest run. MLBTR reported that both outings lasted five innings, with Walker allowing seven runs, six earned, while striking out three batters and walking three.
Across three Triple-A starts for the Angels this season, Walker finished with a 4.91 ERA in 14 2/3 innings. The same MLB transactions feed shows an earlier Salt Lake release on June 7, then a new Angels minor league signing and assignment to Salt Lake on June 11.
The Angels did not add Walker to the major league roster, despite a rotation that MLBTR listed at a 4.64 ERA, tied for seventh-worst in the majors. The verified transaction is narrower but clear: Walker is a free agent again after Salt Lake released him.
Phillies Contract Still Frames The Market
Walker remains attached financially to the four-year deal he signed with Philadelphia before the 2023 season. MLBTR reported that the Phillies are still responsible for his $18 million salary this year.
Any major league team that calls Walker up would owe only the prorated $780,000 minimum salary, with that amount subtracted from Philadelphia's obligation. That makes the cost manageable, though the performance trend explains why the Angels chose not to keep him in Triple-A.
Walker was still effective enough in 2023 to produce 2.4 fWAR over 173 2/3 innings for the Phillies, according to MLBTR. Since then, the outlet reported, he has pitched to a 5.67 ERA over 230 innings with a 15.6 percent strikeout rate.
The release leaves Walker searching for another route back to a major league staff. For the Angels, it closes a quick depth audition before the second half of the season.