Mariners Weekly Rundown: Tough Times have Returned to Seattle

Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) looks as his helmet after it flew off his head while swinging at a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 10

Jun 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (44) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the third inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

Prince Tai is Back in Line for the Throne

After a string of rough outings, Taijuan Walker found himself in a big way this week against the Cleveland Indians. The 23-year-old fireballer hurled 8 shutout frames against the Tribe en route to earning the win for the Mariners. Walker allowed just 3 hits while striking out 11 and walking none.

The Yucaipa, CA native has had the opposite season of Kyle Seager in 2016. Walker started out blazing hot, going 2-2 with a 1.97 ERA through his first 6 starts of the season. However, he has not been very effective since, going 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA in his last 6 starts. Overall, Tai is 3-6 on the season with a 3.48 ERA. Hopefully he can build off his last outing when he gets the ball on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Next: Closer Problems is a Mariners' Tradition