Christian Walker has encountered another oblique injury during spring training, a concerning trend for the Houston Astros’ newest power hitter.
According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Walker addressed the situation, explaining that this injury is not as severe as the one that sidelined him for a month last season. “He said it’s sore today but not worse than yesterday, which he said is a good sign,” McTaggart shared on X (formerly Twitter). Walker has undergone an ultrasound and is waiting for inflammation to subside before further imaging is conducted.
Walker dealt with a persistent oblique issue in 2024 while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, forcing him to miss time throughout the season. Despite the setbacks, he remained a key contributor on both offense and defense. The Gold Glove first baseman hit .251 with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs in just 130 games, a drop from the 157 he played in 2023.
While his averages dipped slightly, his overall impact remained strong. Notably, Walker dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers, consistently delivering clutch hits and home runs at Dodger Stadium.
Now with the Astros, Walker transitions from the National League to the American League but will still play in a hitter-friendly park at Minute Maid. His power could lead to plenty of home runs, sending the left-field train in motion.
However, the recurrence of an oblique injury is not an ideal start to his tenure in Houston. The Astros, one of the league’s older teams, feature veterans like Jose Altuve (34) and Yordan Alvarez (27), but depth remains a strength. Losing Alex Bregman in free agency forced Houston to make a major move, and they are counting on Walker to be a key offensive presence.
The hope is that Walker’s injury remains minor and does not affect his spring training preparations. If there’s ever a time to deal with a nagging injury, it’s before the season starts. Houston will prioritize his health, ensuring he’s fully ready for Opening Day.
Leave a Reply