Taijuan Walker trending upwards for Mariners
Right-hander Taijuan Walker is set to make his fourth spring start for the Seattle Mariners tonight versus the Cleveland Indians. Throughout the offseason, M’s GM Jack Zduriencik was adamant about not moving Walker for any hitter that may have been offered his way. It was probably the right move.
Walker will be in tough tonight against another up and coming hurler looking to build on his strong 2014. Carlos Carrasco had a breakout season last year for the Tribe with eight wins, a 2.55 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 134 innings of work. He’ll be making only his second start of the spring, but right around now is the time manager’s start to stretch guys out a little and prepare them for ball games where 100 pitches will commonplace with regular season starts.
Walker has been electric in the spring. He’s logged eight innings of work and has not allowed a single run to cross home plate on his accord. He’s allowed only two hits and one walk while punching out eight. The hope is that Walker will nab a spot in the rotation out of camp, but management is being modest about their expectations, probably to place less pressure on the 22-year olds shoulders.
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“Obviously, a lot of dynamics go into picking a rotation that complements each other,” said bench boss Lloyd McClendon to the Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. Jack Z’s refusal to use Walker as a trade chip in the offseason tells you the club has lofty ambitions for him. McClendon also alluded to the fact that “[Walker] really took a step forward in September and showed us what he’s capable of.”
And he certainly did. Walker was clutch for the M’s in their stretch run chasing a Wild Card berth last September. He started two games and made relief appearances in another three, posting a 1.96 ERA with one complete game in 23 IP.
Tonight’s contest in Cactus League play will be an interesting one. Walker will face a formidable lineup and stiff competition on the mound from Cleveland’s Carrasco. It’s time McClendon allows Walker to work beyond 50 pitches for the first time in March, assuming he is having success.
Along with Taijuan Walker, Erasmo Ramirez, Roenis Elias and J.A. Happ are all battling for the final two spots in the rotation. Walker will need to set the stage with a positive outing to instill further confidence in his stuff. All four above pitchers have something to offer the staff, but by most accounts, Walker has the most upside and therefore, probably the most to lose as well.
Game time is set for 10:05 pm EST.