Cardinals' Jordan Walker tests swing adjustments against Nationals

Outfielder goes 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in spring training game as he works on slowing down his approach at the plate.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:34pm

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Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker, who is expected to be the team's Opening Day starter, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in a spring training game against the Nationals on Tuesday. Walker had been working in the hitting lab for three days to slow down his approach at the plate, and manager Oliver Marmol was pleased with the tempo of Walker's at-bats, even though the results weren't there. Meanwhile, Cardinals pitcher Dustin May, who is expected to start the second game of the regular season, had a strong outing, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in five innings while striking out three.

Why it matters

Walker is a highly touted prospect who is expected to provide a power boost to the Cardinals' lineup this season. His ability to make adjustments at the plate and find success against major league pitching will be crucial to the team's success. May's strong spring training performance is also an encouraging sign for the Cardinals' pitching staff as they prepare for the regular season.

The details

In Tuesday's game, Walker was aggressive at the plate, striking out on five pitches in his first at-bat against Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin. He grounded out in his second at-bat and lined out in his third. Walker's best at-bat came in the sixth inning when he fouled off the first pitch before lining out to right field. His final at-bat resulted in a strikeout on three pitches. Despite the slow start, manager Marmol was pleased with the tempo of Walker's at-bats and said the team will remain patient as he continues to work on his adjustments. Meanwhile, Dustin May, who is expected to start the second game of the regular season, had a strong outing, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in five innings while striking out three.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Walker has been working in the hitting lab for three days to slow down his approach at the plate.

The players

Jordan Walker

A highly touted Cardinals right fielder who is expected to be the team's Opening Day starter and provide a power boost to the lineup this season.

Oliver Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dustin May

A Cardinals pitcher who is expected to start the second game of the regular season and had a strong spring training outing.

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What they’re saying

“He stayed on the ball really well. He let it get deep. There was no rush to it. ... It's what I wanted to see.”

— Oliver Marmol, Manager (mlb.com)

“I feel good. I'm back to a normal spot -- body-wise, mentality-wise. I had a full healthy offseason. Being able to recover and get my body right coming into Spring Training is what I have been focusing on this offseason. Coming in and still feeling good at this moment, I feel like a lot of my work is starting to pay off.”

— Dustin May (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to monitor Walker's progress at the plate as he works on his adjustments, and May is expected to make his next spring training start as he prepares for the regular season.

The takeaway

The Cardinals are taking a patient approach with Walker as he works to refine his swing, and May's strong spring training performance is an encouraging sign for the team's pitching staff as they gear up for the regular season.