SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The D-backs went to camp this spring looking for a starter to slot behind Zack Greinke in the rotation. New acquisition Taijuan Walker took his first stab at trying to earn the No. 2 role on Tuesday against the Rangers at Surprise Stadium in an 8-4 Arizona victory.
The 24-year-old right-hander made his first start for the D-backs since offseason surgery on his right foot and the Nov. 23 trade that sent Jean Segura to the Mariners. Walker pitched two innings, allowing two hits and striking out three, while tossing 36 pitches and proclaiming afterwards that he felt no pain in the foot.