Jordan Walker Addresses IL Stints, Team Struggles Ahead of Cardinals-Cubs Series

"I didn't have to have surgery. Luckily the antibiotics worked, and the swelling went down, so I started feeling a lot better and I was really lucky," Walker said. "(The doctors) said that once (the appendicitis) went away, it should be gone for good, but you never know for sure ... As of right now, I feel really good ... I'm ready to get going." 

After returning to the team on June 14 after completing rehab for left wrist inflammation - which placed him on the 10-day IL in late May - Walker played in just eight games with the big league club before once again hitting the IL due to his current injury. 

"I chalk it up as bad luck," Walker said of his multiple absences from the team this year. "But, you know, I keep going and I'm starting to feel good now, so I just have to look to the future and look forward."

The former first round pick also spoke on the team's recent struggles and how hitting coach Brant Brown has impacted the Cardinals' ability to turn the page and move forward. 

"I think that's just how baseball goes," Walker said of the Pittsburgh Pirates recent sweep of the Cardinals. 

"People are so quick to forget the series before, they just swept the Guardians," he said "The offense was wonderful there, sometimes you're just not going to be able to hit all the time ... The attitude hasn't changed. As a team, we expected there to be ups and downs through the season. A series like that is definitely a tough blow, but nobody's head was down, and everyone is excited for the next series."

Walker attributed the team's mental toughness at the plate to Brown's tactics and plans he puts in place for Cardinals' hitters. 

"There's not a lot that (Brown) doesn't know when it comes to hitting," he said. "When it comes to preparation and (knowing) what you want to do against a guy, I think he's the best there is."