JUPITER, Fla. – Just three days after a concerning moment when Jordan Walker appeared to suffer a serious knee injury, the Cardinals received encouraging news about their 6-foot-6 outfielder.
Walker, who injured his left knee on Tuesday after stepping on a sprinkler head while tracking a fly ball in right field, was back in uniform on Friday. He reported a decrease in pain and participated in some light activities, including throwing and taking practice swings before the Cardinals’ night game against the Astros.
An MRI performed Tuesday night revealed irritation in Walker’s knee but no structural damage. Initially, the Cardinals planned to keep him sidelined from games and baseball activities for at least a week. However, after Walker reported feeling significantly better on Friday, the team softened its approach.
“He’s feeling really good today,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “He did treatment, took some dry swings, played catch, and feels positive about where he’s at. His recovery is ahead of what I expected, and we’re very encouraged.”
The Cardinals’ emphasis on their young core in 2025 includes ensuring regular playing time for 24-year-old slugger Nolan Gorman and 22-year-old Walker, a former top prospect who has struggled in his first two MLB seasons. Walker is expected to be the team’s Opening Day right fielder for the third straight year, aiming to avoid the Triple-A demotions that have slowed his progress.
Walker entered Spring Training with renewed confidence in his swing after working extensively with new hitting coach Brant Brown during the offseason. While his results so far have been modest—2-for-14 with a double, two RBIs, and eight strikeouts—the Cardinals have been encouraged by the increased loft in his swing and the solid contact he has made.
If Walker’s knee continues improving quickly, he could resume full baseball activities sooner than expected, according to Marmol.
“I almost want to say ‘day to day’ based on how he’s feeling,” Marmol said. “But we’re being cautious since there’s no need to rush. We want him at 100 percent before pushing forward. That said, he felt great today, and we’re very encouraged.”
