Mariners’ Taijuan Walker feeling better, expects to make start Sunday

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Instead of the ice bag he had on his foot Tuesday night, Taijuan Walker had just his foot and ankle taped and was wearing a healing patch Wednesday afternoon in the visitor’s clubhouse at Tropicana Field. Also missing, the look of concern that was on his face following his early exit from Tuesday’s 8-7 Mariners loss to the Rays.

“It feels much better,” he said of the aggravated posterior tibial tendon. “It’s just frustrating. I felt like everything was working early (in Tuesday’s start).”

Both Walker and manager Scott Servais believe he will be able to make his next start, and Servais stressed that they would be comfortable with him.

“It’s a concern,” he said. “Obviously before we run him out there we have got to be confident he can go out there, and not just for an inning. We will know more in a day or two.”

Servais acknowledged that the organization was working on a plan B if needed.

“Everybody will be in the loop. (General manager Jerry Dipoto) is aware, the minor league people if we have to get somebody, but fingers crossed, I’m hoping he’s able to make that start.”

They will have time to make a decision if needed. The test will be Walker’s bullpen session. For now he remains listed on the probables as starting Sunday against the Red Sox.