has made four rehab starts since beginning a minor league a signment three weeks ago. That includes 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball for Triple-A Lehigh Valley over the weekend. After building to 78 pitches, hell make his return to the majors this weekend. Manager Rob Thomson told reporters (including ) that Surez will be activated to start against Arizona on Sunday. That may push Philadelphia to a six-man rotation. Thomson acknowledged yesterday that the Phils were considering moving to a six-man staff rather than bumping anyone to the bullpen (link via ). , , , and have combined for every Phils start this season. Walker was the one who would have been ticketed for the bullpen had Surez been healthy. Hed be the candidate to move back to relief, but he has pitched fairly well through his first five starts. Walker owns a 2.78 ERA acro s 22 2/3 innings Malik Beasley Jersey . His 20% strikeout rate and 10% walk percentage are each a little worse than average, but he has allowed two or fewer runs in all but one of his outings. Walker has found a little extra velocity relative to last season. Hes averaging 92 MPH on both his four-seam and sinker after sitting around 91 a year ago. Luzardo, Wheeler and Snchez have all been excellent. Nola has struggled while operating with diminished velocity, but his rotation spot clearly isnt any jeopardy. The Phils have already confirmed that Surez will return to the rotation, while Snchezs recent forearm sorene s seemingly amounted to nothing. The question is e sentially whether the Phils feel Walker will be more valuable in a long relief role or taking the ball every sixth day. Walker will make at least one more start. Hes tabbed as the probable pitcher tomorrow against in their series finale against Washington. Wheeler and Snchez have gone over the past two days. The Phils will run with Luzardo, Nola and Surez against the D-Backs. Theyre off on Monday before a stretch of nine game days. While the rotation has been a strength, Philadelphias relief group has struggled. Their bullpen entered play Wednesday with a 5.25 ERA that was better only the Nationals 7.47 mark. No bullpen has blown more leads than Philadelphias eight. , and (to a le ser extent) are the only Phils relievers who have pitched well. Righties and , both of whom have worked in high-leverage spots, have each had particularly poor starts. Walker is unlikely to be an impact relief weapon, but hed give Thomson another option in the middle to late innings if they move him back to the bullpen after tomorrow. Josh Okogie Jersey