Mariners right-hander Taijuan Walker was forced to begin the season on the disabled list after he fell behind this spring with right shoulder inflammation, but he’s inching closer to joining the big club.
According to Robert Emrich of MiLB.com, Walker struck out seven batters over 4 1/3 innings last night in a minor league rehab start with High-A High Desert. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk and was pulled in the fifth inning after he reached his pitch count at 75. While the Mariners figure to have him make a couple more starts in the minors, he should beat Hisashi Iwakuma back from the disabled list.
Walker made three starts down the stretch last year and was ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the game by Baseball America in February. He possesses top-of-the-rotation potential.
