NEW YORK -- Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker was not in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game against the Yankees on Wednesday, a 3-1 Cards win, because of right knee inflammation.
The second day off was more of a precaution. The Cardinals are not playing on Thursday, so the team is hoping Walker’s knee will be better by Friday against the Rockies at Busch Stadium. Before Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to New York, Walker was a late scratch and wasn’t able to come off the bench. Manager Oliver Marmol said Walker is listed as day to day.
“I’m all right. Just a little discomfort in the knee. Nothing major. It’s discomfort,” Walker said. “[I hope the three days will help] a lot. That’s my goal. Let’s see when we get back after the day off.”
Walker last played in Monday’s 13-7 victory over New York and went 2-for-5 with a run scored.
“It has been in and out, but a little more [inflammation on Tuesday] as he was trying to get loose,” Marmol said about Walker's knee. “When he hits the bag hard sometimes, he feels it. He felt it a little bit yesterday. Coming into [Tuesday], it didn’t loosen up as quickly as we would have liked.”
Walker is having the best season of his career, hitting .285 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs. The highlight of his season has been winning the T-Mobile Home Run Derby during All-Star week in July.
Marmol called Walker the Cardinals’ most improved player. Walker is more than just a presence in the batter’s box.
“I think it’s [his all-around game],” Marmol said. “I think we have seen really good improvement on the bases, being able to steal bags. His defense has been really good. His offense has taken a real turn. He has shown some incredible production. It’s been a pretty well-rounded improvement.”