As you know, Taijuan Walker has been horrendous lately. Nine straight losses, an ERA larger than a politician’s ego, and no hope for the rest of the season. The fans are out for blood and demanding a change. What do Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson do? We asked artificial intelligence, which spit out a story titled The Decision:

“In the dimly lit offices of Citizens Bank Park, General Manager Dave Dombrowski and Manager Rob Thomson sat across from each other, their faces etched with concern. The buzz of the Philadelphia Phillies’ faithful outside the stadium was a stark reminder of the urgency of their discussion. The team was in the midst of an exceptional season, but one issue had cast a shadow over their success: Taijuan Walker.

Walker had been acquired with high hopes and hefty expectations. The $72 million contract he signed had been meant to anchor the rotation, but the reality had been far from the promise. With an ERA sitting at a troubling 6.50 and coming off a performance where he had surrendered 6 runs on 13 hits, the mounting frustration from the fans and the front office was palpable.

Dave Dombrowski leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “Rob, we can’t ignore the numbers. Last night was brutal. I know the fans are upset, and honestly, so am I. Walker’s struggles are becoming a bigger problem than we anticipated.”

Rob Thomson nodded, his expression a mix of empathy and frustration. “I get it, Dave. I’ve seen Taijuan’s struggles firsthand. He’s a good guy, works hard, and he’s trying to figure things out. But it’s affecting the team. We’re in a crucial stretch of the season, and every game counts.”

Dombrowski sighed. “The thing is, Taijuan is making $18 million this year, and he’s only in the second year of that massive contract. That’s a lot of money, and it’s not something we can easily walk away from. But at the same time, we have to think about the team’s future and the fans who are paying to watch us win.”

Thomson leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. “What if we moved him to the bullpen? He might find a groove in a different role. It’s a lot to ask, but it could be a way to salvage the situation without completely losing faith in him.”

Dombrowski considered the suggestion, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the implications. “That’s a possibility. It’s not an ideal situation for anyone, especially for Taijuan. Moving him to the bullpen might help, but it also might not solve the underlying issues. And if it doesn’t work, we’re still left with a significant contract and a player who’s struggling.”

Thomson rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “We could also consider a temporary demotion to the minors, maybe to work on some mechanics or regain confidence. But given the money and the contract situation, it’s a tricky conversation to have. We need to balance his future and the immediate needs of the team.”

Dombrowski nodded, acknowledging the complexity of the decision. “I’ll talk to Taijuan and see how he’s feeling mentally and physically. If he’s open to it, we could explore a short stint in the minors or a bullpen role. We also need to prepare a plan for him so he knows we’re not giving up on him, but rather trying to find a way to help him succeed.”

As they spoke, the weight of their responsibility was clear. The decision wasn’t just about player performance; it was about maintaining the team’s morale, respecting a significant investment, and addressing the fans’ expectations.

Later that day, Dombrowski and Thomson met with Taijuan Walker in a private room at the stadium. Walker looked up at them with a mix of exhaustion and apprehension.

“Taijuan,” Dombrowski began, “we want to talk about your recent performance and explore some options that might help you get back on track. We’re considering a few changes and wanted to get your perspective.”

Walker listened intently as Thomson explained the idea of a potential bullpen role or a temporary stint in the minors to work on his game. The conversation was delicate, but Dombrowski and Thomson were clear about their intentions. They wanted to support Walker while also addressing the team’s immediate needs.

Walker took a deep breath. “I appreciate the honesty and the chance to talk about this. I know I haven’t been performing up to expectations. If a change could help me find my rhythm again and help the team, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

With that, a plan was set into motion. Walker would take a brief stint in the minors to refine his approach and work on some adjustments. The team also prepared for a potential shift to the bullpen if needed.

As Dombrowski and Thomson walked away from the meeting, they felt a sense of cautious optimism. It was a difficult decision, but one made with the best interests of the team and the player in mind. They knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but they were committed to navigating it with integrity and respect.

The Phillies continued their season with renewed focus, and as the games unfolded, the hope was that the changes would bring about the results everyone was striving for. The balance between managing investments and pursuing victory was delicate, but for Dombrowski and Thomson, it was a challenge they faced together, united in their dedication to the team and its future.

What do you think? A little too pragmatic for the Philadelphia sports fan. Was hoping to see “DFA” in there somewhere, but alas, it would seem as though the robots have a more measured approach to personnel decisions.