Neil Walker bracing himself for offseason routine after rehab – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates' second baseman Neil Walker is all set to make a comeback after his 2012 season was shut down due to a herniated disk. The player is said to be preparing himself for an offseason routine after the rehab program that he had.
Just when the Winter Meetings are nearing end, as the momentum grew for the Pirates on Wednesday, December 5, when they acquired the pitcher Andrew Oliver from the Detroit Tigers, Walker’s return is a significant development.
To commence the offseason routine, Walker has really worked hard in rehab – something that the general manager Neal Huntington also referred to.
He said, "The rehab went really well, and he's worked his tail off and looks forward to coming into Spring Training in the best shape of his life."
After August 15, the second baseman could only have 52 at-bats. His absence had a great impact on the Pirates' offence. The second half, a quick look will show, was more of a decline for the Pirates after the ascent they had made in the first half of the season.
Provided Walker was there, things would be way different for the Pirates as Andrew McCutchen was also in brilliant form. Nonetheless, the injury issue that forced the team to pull him off is no longer a concern now.
Clint Hurdle, team’s manager, also indicated that the player is bracing himself to play.
"He's done with all the medical recovery," said manager Clint Hurdle. "Within the last two weeks, he actually started his strength and conditioning program. I had lunch with him right before that. He's in a very good place, ready to go."
Walker appeared in a total of 129 games this past season, having had an impressive .280 batting average coupled with .342 OBP, .426 slugging percentage – smashing 14 home-runs and scoring 69 RBIs in 472 at-bats.
With that, the Pirates may well be looking for a long-term deal with the second baseman now as he is making his way back into the team.
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