Persistent setbacks for Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker due to ongoing injury issues
In the midst of a challenging 2025 season, St. Louis Cardinals' outfielder Jordan Walker has faced a series of health hurdles and performance setbacks. After a promising start, the 23-year-old has been hampered by a wrist injury and, more recently, appendicitis, which has landed him on the injured list[1][2].
Diagnosed with appendicitis in late June, Walker received treatment with antibiotics to avoid surgery and is currently on a rehab assignment with the Cardinals’ Class AA Springfield team[1][2]. The team is optimistic that he will return to the major league club within two weeks from early July 2025[1].
Walker's 2025 batting performance has been disappointing, with a .210 batting average, .267 on-base percentage, and .295 slugging percentage in 55 games. However, since mid-May, when he was healthy, his numbers improved to a .278/.304/.407 slash line in 21 games[2].
The Cardinals have approached this season as an opportunity to evaluate Walker as a young player with future potential, focusing on his development despite the challenges[1]. The team had hoped that Walker could regain his swing like that of Nolan Gorman, but the injury and poor performance have put a strain on those expectations[3].
While on the injured list, the Cardinals have recalled utility man Jose Fermin to replace Walker on the roster[4]. To make room, right-handed pitcher Michael McGreevy was optioned to Memphis[4]. The Cardinals are facing a lack of production from the right side of the plate this season, and Walker's injury could clear at-bats for Gorman and Fermin[5].
As Walker works his way back to health, the pressure to perform is growing. His 59 wRC+ is among the worst in all of baseball, and the team is concerned about his long-term future with the organization[6]. However, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, provided he avoids further setbacks and can regain form at the plate.
Thomas Saggese is likely to see increased playing time as the next man up from the right side. The Cardinals are in a difficult position regarding Walker's injury and his future with the team, but they remain invested in his development and potential.
[1] - St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Jordan Walker placed on injured list, Cardinals recall Jose Fermin," June 28, 2025. [2] - St. Louis Cardinals, "Jordan Walker begins rehab assignment with Class AA Springfield," July 3, 2025. [3] - MLB.com, "Cardinals option Michael McGreevy to Memphis, recall Jose Fermin," June 28, 2025. [4] - The Athletic, "Cardinals' Jordan Walker out with appendicitis," June 28, 2025. [5] - ESPN, "Cardinals' Jordan Walker expected to miss significant time due to appendicitis," June 28, 2025. [6] - FanGraphs, "Jordan Walker's 2025 Season," accessed July 4, 2025.
Following his appendicitis diagnosis in late June, Jordan Walker underwent treatment with antibiotics and embarked on a rehab assignment with the Cardinals' Class AA Springfield team, with hopes of returning to the major league club within two weeks from early July 2025. Despite facing a challenging season, Jordan Walker’s team, the St. Louis Cardinals, has also shown interest in other sports, exploring the possibility of introducing a futures franchise for a football or baseball team in the city.
