PITTSBURGH — Neil Walker is itching to come off the disabled list.
The Pirates second baseman took batting practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing an appendectomy June 9 and also fielding ground balls. Walker was given the go-ahead by doctors after being examined Tuesday morning.
“There is nothing that I could do — swinging, torqueing, running — that’s going to bother it,” Walker said.
Walker believes he will be ready to be activated June 24, the first day he is eligible. He had already been hitting the indoors cages and running before Tuesday’s more strenuous workout.
“Nothing has mechanically changed my swing from any kind of standpoint,” Walker said. “I’m imagining that’s not going to be an issue.
I’m imagining the issues are going to come from running and perhaps diving.”
Until falling ill, the switch-hitter Walker seemed likely to be selected to the All-Star Game for the first time in his six-year career. He is hitting .280 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 62 games.