New York Mets starter Taijuan Walker last appeared in a major league game on April 11.
It was also his first start of the season.
Unfortunately, he had to leave with shoulder discomfort.
That discomfort was later revealed to be shoulder bursitis, and he required a stint on the injured list.
He appears to be on the verge of returning, however.
Anthony DiComo, who covers the Mets for MLB.com, tweeted on Monday a picture, explaining that Walker (right shoulder bursitis) was: “throwing a simulated game this afternoon at chilly Busch Stadium. Assuming he comes out of this fine, Walker will return to the rotation this weekend against the Phillies.”
📸 That's Taijuan Walker (right shoulder bursitis) throwing a simulated game this afternoon at chilly Busch Stadium. Assuming he comes out of this fine, Walker will return to the rotation this weekend against the Phillies. pic.twitter.com/ZqKumVWSrC
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 25, 2022
That appears to be the plan for the Mets: if he comes from the sim game unscathed, he will take the ball in a crucial division match against the tough Phillies.
He will need to ace his Monday test first, however.
An Oft-Injured Star Pitcher
For years, Walker has teased with putting up impressive numbers, but injuries constantly get in the way.
In 2021, he had a first half to remember, one that sent him to the All-Star Game.
He was lousy in the second half, however, and finished with a 4.47 ERA in 159 frames.
This time, he tossed two scoreless innings before departing.
He seems, however, on the verge of returning to a pretty strong rotation.
The good thing is that the Mets haven’t missed him, because virtually every other member of the rotation has pitched well:Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, Tylor Megill, David Peterson, and Carlos Carrasco.
They hope to recover star Jacob deGrom relatively soon, too, but the Mets pitchers have been awfully impressive in the early going.
NEXT: Mets Insider Comments On Carlos Carrasco's Best Role