Injury Report: Taijuan Walker Shutdown (Updated)

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Sep 4, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (27) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: Story updated to reflect comments from Walker.

Breaking news out of Peoria this morning. It has been confirmed that Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker is going to be shutdown for at least 7 days after an MRI revealed inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Walker had not yet been scheduled for a start in Spring Training likely because of precautions that were taken last week after his first bullpen session.

Manager Lloyd McClendon was asked about whether or not Walker would be ready for the start of the season and he responded with “I’m not sure. That’s my hope, but we’ll see”.

It is clear that they will not take any risks when it comes to young Taijuan. said “We are not just talking about 2014. We’re hopefully talking about the next 15 years”.

Does this news put pressure on the front office to go after another free agent starting pitcher such as Ervin Santana? Charlie will discuss later this afternoon.