The St. Louis Cardinals began the season aiming to give former top prospect Jordan Walker consistent playing time to evaluate his long-term role with the team. However, injuries have disrupted those plans. After landing on the injured list for the second time this year—this time due to appendicitis—Walker has lost ground to outfielder Alec Burleson, who’s been thriving in his absence.
Walker recently joined the team in Pittsburgh to consult with the Cardinals’ medical staff, but he won’t be eligible to return until Friday. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Walker isn’t expected to be activated immediately and will likely begin a rehab assignment to regain strength following his recovery.
Once hailed as the future face of the franchise, Walker’s development has hit some bumps. While he’s improved defensively in the outfield this season—having shifted from his natural position after Nolan Arenado’s arrival—his offensive struggles have continued. In what was shaping up to be a pivotal season, Walker is batting just .210 with three home runs.
With the Cardinals battling for a postseason spot, Walker will have to fight to reclaim his place in the lineup, especially with Burleson’s hot streak keeping him in the spotlight.
