M’s Walker has a sore shoulder

PEORIA, Ariz. — A chill rippled through the Mariners’ newly renovated spring complex Thursday morning when manager Lloyd McClendon revealed prize pitching prospect Taijuan Walker is less than 100 percent.

“It’s nothing major,” McClendon cautioned. “He had a little (shoulder) soreness. He’s stretching out. He’s feeling good. He’s probably a few days behind as far as bullpens are concerned. He should be fine.”

Walker, too, moved quickly to quell concerns.

“I’m fine,” he told the Seattle Times. “I got it checked out. I’m just taking it a little bit slower than everyone else. I’m still playing catch and everything.

“It’s not like they’ve shut me down. I just get some extra treatment. This is just normal soreness.”

Walker took part in all drills in Thursday’s workout and, true enough, arm soreness is not unusual for pitchers (all players, really) early in camp. But any issues surrounding Walker are likely to spark extra caution.

It was only a day earlier the Mariners learned Hisashi Iwakuma, their All-Star right-hander, will miss four to six weeks because of a strained tendon in the middle finger of his pitching hand.

And the organization is still dealing with expectations that lefty Danny Hultzen, another top prospect, will miss the entire season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

So Walker will be watched closely.

“I tell all of my pitchers that you’re not going to make the club on the first day,” McClendon said. “You’re not going to make the club in the first week. Build yourself. Pace yourself.

“You’ll have opportunities to go out and compete and, hopefully, win a spot.”

Walker, 21, enters camp as a favorite to do just that after making his big-league debut last season by going 1-0 in three starts while allowing six runs and 11 hits in 15 innings.

McClendon reinforced that view last month by saying, “I’d be disappointed if he’s not (in the rotation).”

Even so, he wants to test Walker — a healthy Walker — over the next 61/2 weeks. The same holds true for lefty James Paxton and any of the club’s young arms.

“You talk about evaluating in spring training,” McClendon said. “I think it’s important that you try to put as much intensity as you can into what they’re trying to accomplish. Make it as tough as possible.

“Because when the lights come on, that’s exactly what it is (like). When you try to go through the evaluation process, you want it to be tough for them. You want them to have anxious moments, and you want to see how they handle those moments.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.