The St. Louis Cardinals are set to receive a significant boost, as outfielder has officially begun a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis following a brief stint on the injured list due to appendicitis. The news, first reported by STLToday’s Daniel Guerrero, signals that Walker’s return to the big-league roster may come sooner rather than later.
According to Guerrero, “The #STLCards say Jordan Walker (appendicitis) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment tonight with Class AAA Memphis.”
Walker’s return comes at a crucial time. The Cardinals trail the Chicago Cubs by 3.5 games in the NL Central, and they’re hoping the 23-year-old can help reignite their offense. While Walker has struggled at the plate this season—batting .210 with three home runs and 23 RBIs across 54 games—his upside remains evident and could be key in a tight playoff race.
Fortunately, Walker avoided surgery and was instead treated with antibiotics. He had started feeling discomfort during pregame warmups earlier in the week, prompting the team to act cautiously and place him on the IL. Manager Oliver Marmol noted that the non-surgical recovery has allowed Walker to begin his return sooner than expected.
The Cardinals’ outfield has had moments of promise—with players like Alec Burleson stepping up—but the group still lacks the impact potential that a healthy Walker brings. His advanced metrics remain encouraging, and his presence could be a game-changer, especially with the trade deadline and key division matchups approaching.
If Walker performs well in Memphis over the next few games, a return to the majors could happen quickly—possibly in time to help shape the Cardinals’ postseason push. His comeback could prove vital not just for the team’s short-term hopes, but also for reaffirming his role as a long-term cornerstone of the franchise.
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