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Seattle Mariners’ Taijuan Walker Healthy Scratch From AFL

By Ed Carroll

Jul 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Mariners prospect Taijuan Walker was scratched from Saturday’s scheduled Arizona Fall League start and won’t pitch again in the fall, but is completely healthy, according to the team’s GM.

Top prospect Taijuan Walker of the Seattle Mariners was scratched from his third scheduled start for the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League, and the right-hander has decided he won’t pitch the rest of the AFL season, but is completely healthy, per Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik.

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Walker is considered one of the top prospects in MLB, and while many expected him to cement his place in the big-leagues, 2014 was a difficult season for him, with injuries and many rumors about Walker being available in a trade to help Seattle’s playoff chase, though ultimately those rumors never came to pass. He did make eight starts for the Mariners this season, and pitched well in them, with a 2.61 ERA. He had 11 strikeouts and a 2.00 ERA in nine innings of AFL work over his two starts for Surprise.

“Taijuan is completely healthy and was very impressive in his two outings, but made a personal decision that he needed to return home at this time,” Zduriencik said. “He will continue with his off-season program and we look forward to seeing him at Spring Training in February.”

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