Mariners pitching prospect Taijuan Walker "is in the discussion" to fill the vacated rotation spot caused by Erasmo Ramirez's demotion and start Monday's game against the Astros, MLB.com reports.
Walker is coming off a complete-game shutout with Triple-A Tacoma Tuesday and looks to be ready to make his 2014 Mariners debut after dealing with shoulder issues over the first few months of the season.
"His starts have been fine," manager Lloyd McClendon said Wednesday. "The one before [the shutout], he had some ups and downs, but all pitchers do. From a health standpoint, he’s feeling better, he’s throwing, he‘s answering the bell every five days. The velocity is up and he’s building, so that’s encouraging."
Walker owns a 4.11 ERA and 20:10 K:BB ratio in 30 2/3 innings with Tacoma in six starts.