Not to be missed: The Philadelphia Phillies’ general manager, Rob Thomson, has inked a four-year contract with the Braves.All right.

The day after righthander Taijuan Walker, 31, had another poor outing that raised doubts about his future in the Phillies rotation once more, Rob Thomson claimed that Walker has “this little hot spot” on his index finger.

The manager stated that he is adamant that this is the cause of his inability to utilise his best pitch, the splitter, as frequently and effectively as he ought to have.

We are going to try to address that,” said Thomson. “I think it’s probably been going on for a while. Since he is a rival, he will not make any confessions. He is hesitant to admit to his competitors that he has a finger problem.

On Friday night at Citizens Bank Park, in just four innings against the Diamondbacks, Walker allowed four runs on five hits, three of which were home runs. That raised his earned-run average to 5.60.

Walker, who is in the second year of a four-year contract worth $72 million, could not provide an explanation for his most recent behaviour. “The problem right now is that there isn’t a splitter,” he said. It’s basically become my go-to pitch when things get tough. And for now, it’s just not there. Naturally, I’m doing all in my power to find it. But it isn’t present at all.

It irritates me a lot. I know I have to clean up even if I’m having a rough time.

That came after he only pitched nine splitters in his 77 pitches against Arizona. “He should throw it farther. Thomson said that he must be well enough to be able to throw it farther.

If Walker wasn’t available, right-hander Spencer Turnbull would probably be utilised in his place. Walker began the season in the rotation and went 2-0, 1.63 in six starts while on the injured list with shoulder problems. His total ERA is 2.63, but he has only been used infrequently since being moved to the bullpen.

Prior to this season, Jose Iglesias had not appeared on a major league diamond in exactly two years.

That’s the exact reason the seasoned infielder, who was called up from Triple-A Syracuse, has been doing his hardest to maximise his opportunity to play with the Mets.

Due to Jeff McNeil’s persistent early-season struggles, Iglesias has mostly been added to the order against left-handed pitching; however, he has also been a terrific asset in the clubhouse and on both sides of the ball.

Seeing him in action up close has been a refreshing change of pace, even if we are aware of his defensive talents and that he has regularly been a dependable presence in the box.

As of right now, the Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says he’s feeling really good. “He is hitting huge, timely hits and giving up nothing at the plate. He has amazing bat-to-ball skills. It is heartening to see him make improvement after all he has been through in the past few years.