Walker's Oblique Concerns: MRI to Determine Extent of Injury

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker is dealing with left oblique soreness, raising concerns due to his history of similar injuries. Walker was scratched from a spring training lineup on March 5, 2025, after experiencing tightness during batting practice. He reported the discomfort and chose not to push it, given the early stage of spring training. While no MRI results have been explicitly confirmed in the available information as of this date, Walker himself indicated he expects to know more about the severity within 24-48 hours from March 6, suggesting that further evaluation, likely including an MRI, is planned or underway to determine the extent of the injury.

Walker’s history with oblique issues adds context to the concern. In 2024, while with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he missed over a month (July 29 to September 3) due to a strained left oblique. Additionally, in 2021, he had two separate stints on the injured list with right oblique problems, missing 18 and 17 games, respectively. Despite these setbacks, he has been productive when healthy, hitting .251 with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs in 130 games last season, alongside winning his third consecutive Gold Glove. His $60 million, three-year contract signed with the Astros in December 2024 underscores his importance to the team.
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The Astros and Walker remain optimistic that this is a minor issue. Walker noted that the current discomfort feels less severe than his 2024 injury, describing it as inflammation with swelling that needs to subside before more definitive scans can occur. Manager Joe Espada and the team are taking a cautious approach, typical for spring training, with no official timeline yet beyond awaiting further testing. If it’s a strain, a season-opening injured list stint could be possible, but for now, the team is “hoping for the best.” Jon Singleton stepped in at first base on March 5, and players like Zach Dezenzo or Victor Caratini could see time there if Walker misses extended action. Updates should emerge by March 8, 2025, based on Walker’s own timeline comments.