Walker (finger) threw a successful three-inning simulated game Tuesday and is hopeful that he will be able to start Sunday in Miami, FOX Sports Arizona reports.
He said it felt weird at first when he was throwing without protective tape on his hand, but eventually all of his pitches, including his changeup, felt good, which was a big step. Walker will now prepare to start Sunday, continuing with treatment on the blister on his right index finger. If he was dropped for some reason in shallower formats, now is the time to pick him up. He has a 3.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 46:18 K:BB in 52 innings this season.