As the playoff races take shape in both the American League and the National League, people are presumably trying to identify the young pitcher who has the goods to be this year’s version of Michael Wacha. Fans and coaches alike are trying to recognize the top prospect who could pitch now and have a big impact on the playoff race.
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If you’re looking in the American League, that guy might just be pitching out of the Seattle Mariners’ bullpen at the moment. Right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker, who has dealt with injuries this season and kicked back and forth between the big leagues and the minor leagues, is the type of blue-chip talent who can make a big difference.
Walker will have to create that impact in a relief role, something that is not unprecedented for a top prospect in a playoff race. According to Greg Johns of MLB.com, the Mariners will opt to keep Walker in the bullpen while using veteran Chris Young in the starting rotation:
"The decision to keep Young in the rotation means rookie Taijuan Walker remains in the bullpen, available in long relief or if needed for a spot start down the line. McClendon said the choice to stick with Young was simple, given he’s gone 12-7 with a 3.35 ERA in 28 games and been an integral part of the team’s success."
It also makes sense because we are reaching the point in the season when conventional use of pitching staffs goes out the window. The Mariners will have opportunities to use Walker in creative and effective ways as they try to make a run in the postseason.
Stay tuned to FanSided for all of the latest news and analysis from Major League Baseball as the season winds down, with the postseason just around the corner.
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