Cardinals' Walker hoping break from spring games will help sync up his swing

Right fielder working in team's hitting lab to make swing changes and see ball better out of pitcher's hand

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:21pm

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Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker has not been in the lineup for the past three games as he has been working in the team's hitting lab to make swing changes and see the ball better out of the pitcher's hand. Walker is trying to put last year's struggles behind him, when he had a .215/.278/.306 slash line and struggled defensively. The team is giving Walker a break from game action to focus on his swing changes and hopes to have him back in the lineup by Tuesday against the Nationals.

Why it matters

Walker is expected to provide power in the Cardinals' lineup this season, so getting his swing right is crucial for the team's offensive production. The Cardinals are taking a proactive approach to help Walker make the necessary adjustments to his swing and approach at the plate.

The details

Walker, who is 6-for-30 (.200) with two RBIs and 11 strikeouts this spring, requested the break from game action to work in the team's hitting lab. Manager Oliver Marmol said the team is allowing Walker to 'dive deep' into the changes needed and not try to implement them immediately in games. The goal is for Walker to be back in the lineup by Tuesday against the Nationals.

  • Walker has not been in the lineup for the past three games.
  • Walker pitched five innings on the back fields as recently as Saturday.

The players

Jordan Walker

Cardinals right fielder who is trying to put last year's struggles behind him and make swing changes to see the ball better out of the pitcher's hand.

Oliver Marmol

Cardinals manager who is giving Walker a break from game action to focus on his swing changes in the team's hitting lab.

Hunter Dobbins

Cardinals right-hander who will start the season on the 15-day injured list as he continues to recover from a torn right ACL.

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What they’re saying

“[He is taking] the three days of not trying to practice something and put it in the game immediately. [Being in the lab] allows him time to really dive deep into where we are at and what truly needs to happen. I want to give him a little bit of a break to be able to just focus [on his swing] and not carry it into the game. We hope the attention is there and then give him a date on when he is back in the lineup and implement it.”

— Oliver Marmol, Manager

“Part of baseball that I really love is coming to the ballpark and seeing those guys. There are a lot of good talks and we are all in the same position on the field when it comes to the fly balls or ground balls. Getting their perspective really helps.”

— Jordan Walker

What’s next

The team hopes to have Walker back in the lineup by Tuesday against the Nationals.

The takeaway

The Cardinals are taking a proactive approach to help their young star right fielder Jordan Walker make the necessary adjustments to his swing and approach at the plate, with the goal of getting him back on track and providing the power they expect from him in the lineup this season.