Walker will start Tuesday at San Francisco. He could pitch four innings or so. Then, during the All-Star break, the Phillies will reassess.

The Phillies have demoted rookie right-hander Mick Abel, who has struggled since he struck out nine in his major league debut, to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and returned Taijuan Walker to the rotation.

The Phillies on Friday optioned Mick Abel to AAA. Taijuan Walker will once again make the temporary jump from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

Thomson had said he wanted to give Walker an extended look in the bullpen. Abel's struggles instead forced Walker — in the third year of a four-year, $72-million contract — back to the rotation.

PHILADELPHI (AP) — Mick Abel couldn't sustain his sublime major league debut and is headed to the minors. Taijuan Walker is back in Philadelphia's rotation.

Mick Abel couldn’t sustain his sublime major league debut and is headed to the minors. Taijuan Walker is back in Philadelphia’s rotation. And anticipation that prized prospect Andrew Painter could ...

Taijuan Walker is back in Philadelphia's rotation. And anticipation that prized prospect Andrew Painter could be headed to the Phillies will stretch past the All-Star break.

Thomson had said he wanted to give Walker an extended look in the bullpen. Abel’s struggles instead forced Walker — in the third year of a four-year, $72-million contract — back to the rotation.