Last week, when the MLB All-Star roster was announced there were some obvious snubs. One of the most glaring names missing was New York Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker. Mets manager Luis Rojas was informed that Walker would be a replacement on this year’s All-Star team. Taijuan Walker replaces his Mets teammate Jacob deGrom who elected to skip this years game. deGrom’s absence is due to having a start two days prior to the All-Star game and electing for rest.
Jacob deGrom, who Walker is replacing on the roster voiced his support for Walker before it was announced saying. “Hopefully Thailand will come in and take my place,” DeGrom said. “He is 100% worth going.”
Following a 13-4 win over the Pirates on Friday, that hope became a reality. Luis Rojas was the first to get the news and inform Walker that he’s made his first All-Star team.
Walker has had quite the MLB journey. The pitcher was a first round pick for the Seattle Mariners and made his debut in 2013. However, injuries caught up to him and the right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018. Because of that Walker hadn’t pitched much in the previous three seasons. As a free agent Taijuan Walker had one offer, the New York Mets. A move that has paid off this season.
Walker’s All-Star Season
The righty’s 2.50 ranks eighth best in the National League. He has allowed two runs or fewer in 12 of 16 starts this season. And most of all the Mets are 8-0 in his home starts and 13-3 in his starts overall.
His stellar season earned him a spot on the NL All-Star team and a lifelong dream fulfilled.
“Once I got to the big leagues, it was always a goal to be an All-Star,” Walker said. “To be the best of the best and to go out there and compete against the best and to be around the best players in the league.”
The call is well-deserved as Walker has been among the MLB’s best starting pitchers this season. Throughout the season Walker has pitched like an ace for the New York Mets.
It’s a heartwarming story. Going from a first round draft pick, undergoing Tommy John surgery, and getting one last shot with the Mets franchise. A chance he made the most of. And that the Mets have been the most of in their first-place first half of the season.
What was it like for Walker to find out the good news?
“All the emotions, it’s finally started to come and hit me,” said Walker, whose phone began blowing up with texts from family members. “Just to have All-Star by my name is really cool.”
Tune in to the Walker on the mound at the MLB All-Star game on Tuesday, July 13th from Colorado.
