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First rounder, first pitch, first homer: Walker's debut headlines opening day for Cardinals' minor-league clubs

The pitch was up and in and still Jordan Walker got around on it to put it up and out.

As minor league baseball made its return – its welcome, long-delayed, and new-look return – on Tuesday, the Cardinals and other clubs got a chance to debut their 2020 draft picks. Hard to imagine any of them did more with the first pitch of their pro career than Walker.

The 18-year-old third baseman came up third, right after fellow 2020 draft pick Masyn Winn. The bases were empty, and the Reds’ second-round pick, righthander Christian Roa, was about to throw his first perfect pro inning.