Central STL News

Jordan Walker, a 23-year-old right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, was placed on the 10-day injured list due to appendicitis. The condition was identified before his appendix ruptured, allowing him to avoid surgery and receive treatment with antibiotics instead.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol confirmed that Walker is already feeling better and should return to playing by the end of his IL stint. "Pretty quick recovery, but he’s still going to be down for four or five days," said Marmol. He added that it made sense for Walker to rest and then gradually build up again.

Walker has faced challenges this season, struggling at the plate in his third MLB season despite being promised playing time as part of the Cardinals' focus on future development. In 55 games, he has a batting average of .210 with three home runs and 23 RBIs. His performance has been inconsistent even after working extensively with new hitting coach Brant Brown.

In late May, Walker seemed to regain form briefly but was sidelined again due to wrist inflammation. Since returning from that injury, he has struggled once more and lost his spot in the rotation to Alec Burleson.

Marmol expressed relief that Walker's medical issue was caught early while he was surrounded by medical staff. "He came in, he was about to hit BP and felt a little something in his side," Marmol recounted. Quick action by the training staff led to imaging that confirmed early signs of appendicitis.

Walker stayed overnight at the hospital for antibiotic treatment rather than undergoing surgery. "It’s helpful that it was caught early and that he got it checked out immediately after feeling it," Marmol noted.