Cardinals Announce Jordan Walker News Before Diamondbacks Series

After once again hitting the IL with appendicitis following a return from a wrist injury, Walker spent more than a week with Double-A Springfield on a rehab stint to gear up for MLB play, but it probably didn't go the way that he - or the team - wanted it to.

In 10 games with Springfield, the 23-year-old former top prospect collected just six hits in 38 at bats for a .185 average. Walker struck out 12 times for a 31.6% strikeout rate, and carried an on base percentage of just .256. When he did connect, though, he drove the ball, racking up three doubles and two home runs to drive in four and score five times.

After starting slow with Springfield, Walker found his footing with a four-game hitting streak that included his two homers along with three walks to end the stint.

The former first-round pick returns to the 51-46 Cardinals looking to turn his fortunes around as he's slashing a meager .210/.267/.295 with just 37 hits and 23 RBI in 176 at bats at the big league level.

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, and lots of outfield depth waiting in the ranks (Mike Antico, Michael Siani, Nathan Church, etc.), the pressure may be on Walker to start turning in better performances or he may face the same fate Dylan Carlson - another former top prospect - did just last year.