AP Photo/ John Bazemore
Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker left with back spasms in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves.
SNY @SNYtv
This is the last game Taijuan Walker played before starting tonight. pic.twitter.com/yK1antHnUg
Steve Gelbs@Steve Gelbs
The Mets say Taijuan Walker pulled out of tonight’s game due to back spasms.
He was the second consecutive starter for the Mets to leave the game early after Carlos Carrasco left for two innings when he entered Monday’s game with an oblique injury. day’s injury list.
Joe Pantorno @JoePantorno
#Mets Luis Guillorme, Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker injured in the last 48 hours while Eduardo Escobar remains hampered by side issues.
Here is brutal stretching.
Still, the Mets may be relieved that Walker isn’t dealing with something more serious than a back spasm.
The 30-year-old had a strong season going 10-3 with a 3.43 ERA, 1.19 thrashing and 85 strikeouts entering Tuesday in 110.1 innings. He has been a big part of the team’s rotation, and the Mets entered the Atlanta Braves with a 75-41 record on Tuesday, 4.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves in hopes of winning the championship.
But injuries have become a problem. The Mets even called on much-hyped third base prospect Brett Batty, Luis Guillom was injured and Eduardo Escobar had left-sided tightness issues.
That’s going to get Mets fans excited amid an injury. Between double-A and triple-A this season, the 22-year-old is hitting .315 with 19 homers and 60 RBIs.
Of course, if Walker is forced into IL, Baty won’t help alleviate any rotation issues. Hopefully the team can tread water there, with players like David Peterson and Trevor Williams getting more starts. Combined with Jacob deGrom’s return earlier this month, the Mets have options.
Walker avoiding Illinois entirely would be a major plus, though.
