“Fly Tai” Walker Is Back To The Hill Again, Rounding Into All-Star Form

New York Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker is getting back to his dominant form after dealing with injuries at the start of the season.

The Mets have been one of the top teams in the league (24-14) and now that Walker is showing signs of improvement on the mound, the Mets are an even more formidable rotation to be reckoned with this season.

In his last start on May 12, Walker was lights out against the Washington Nationals.

 

 

He went seven innings, giving up three hits and striking out one without allowing a run. That’s the start the Mets have been waiting to see from Walker since he returned from the injured list.

It was a much better performance than his previous outing back on May 6th against the Philadelphia Phillies. Walker gave up six earned runs and nine hits that game.

Talk about a bounce back performance from Walker. That is exactly what he needed.

In an article from the New York Post, Walker talked about how he was effective against the Nationals.

“The game plan was to go in and throw at least eight curveballs,” Walker said after picking up the win against the Nationals. “I feel like when I throw a lot of curveballs, at least 8-10 per game, it just slows them down, and I was throwing it for strikes and getting swings and ground balls, swings and misses, so we just kept throwing it.”

Reportedly, Walker dealt with some back tightness during the game, but that did not impact him on the mound.

“I was trying to go eight [innings], but seven was good, and I think just getting the up-downs now and my pitch count up … now after this outing I feel I should be good to go deep every game,” he said.

Through four starts this season, Walker has a 1-0 record, throwing 18 innings with a 3.00 ERA and has struck out eight. Those are impressive numbers for Walker, especially since he dealt with injury at the start of the season. Dealing with shoulder bursitis is nothing to play with, especially when you are a pitcher.

The Mets will certainly keep a close eye on Walker as the season progresses and see how he continues to perform on the mound.

 

 

After playing in his first All-Star game last season, Walker has established himself as a powerful pitcher.

All eyes will be on Walker this season, to see if he can have another season like he did last year. Having a healthy Walker on that pitching staff will help the Mets contend for a World Series berth.

Our MLBbro is going to continue to go out there and give max effort on that mound. When he’s healthy and in command of his pitches, Walker is a pitcher you do not want to face.

He has the potential to make the All-Star team for the second consecutive season and he could make a case to be in the running for a Cy Young Award.