WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Jordan Walker, the young St. Louis Cardinals outfielder expected to take on a larger everyday role this season, exited Tuesday’s spring game with apparent knee pain, according to multiple reports.
Walker struck out in one at-bat and made one outfield catch in the second inning before his early departure.
According to Derrick Goold, lead Cardinals reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Walker will be reevaluated after St. Louis returns to Jupiter, Florida, from its split-squad game in West Palm Beach. Walker will undergo further evaluation on his left knee to determine the cause and severity of the pain.
Walker, regarded as one of baseball top prospects just two seasons ago, was largely expected to open the season as the Cardinals’ primary starting right fielder.
The 22-year-old has worked with new Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown over the last several months to make some adjustments to his hitting approach. They haven’t translated to large results yet, with Walker just 2-for-14 in spring training action as of Tuesday.
If Walker is unavailable for a longer term, that could pave the way to more opportunities for Victor Scott, Michael Siani or Alec Burleson at the position.
Walker’s setback comes roughly three weeks away from Opening Day, set for March 27 against the Minnesota Twins.