Tigers Outfielder Competing For Opening Day Role Suffers Fractured Hand

Steele Walker, a 26-year-old outfielder vying for a spot on the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day roster, has been sidelined indefinitely due to a fractured right hand.

The injury occurred during Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Toronto Blue Jays when he was hit by a pitch.

Tigers outfielder Steele Walker has a fracture in his right hand after being hit by a pitch yesterday. He's out for the foreseeable future.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) March 1, 2023

Walker's return timeline remains uncertain as he will need to be cleared to resume baseball activities before a more specific timeframe can be established. Once he's healthy, he is expected to settle into an everyday role at Triple-A Toledo, as he, unfortunately, won't be winning an Opening Day role now.

Walker was acquired by the Tigers in November from the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations.

Steele walker hits i his first career home run pic.twitter.com/Qkiorh5viO
— Random Homers (@RandomHomeRuns) February 13, 2023

He made his major league debut last year with the Rangers, going 1-for-14. With this latest setback, he'll likely have to wait until later this spring or summer to get back on the field and continue his development.

Last season, in the minors, the twenty-six-year-old posted a .268/.333/.421 triple-slash line, with nine home runs, 40 RBIs, eight stolen bases and 42 runs scored across 75 games played.

Walker is a former second-round pick by the Chicago White Sox in the 2018 MLB Draft. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports