Triple-A Columbus placed Walters on its 7-day injured list Monday due to an unspecified injury.

EDGE Analysis

After failing to win a spot in the Guardians' Opening Day bullpen coming out of spring training, Walters had gotten off to a strong start to the season with Columbus, producing a 1.35 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB in 6.2 innings over seven appearances. However, the right-hander sustained an apparent injury during his most recent appearance Wednesday, temporarily halting any momentum he might have built for a promotion to the big leagues.

The Guardians optioned Walters (shoulder) to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

After retiring just one batter and giving up three earned runs in his Cactus League debut Feb. 24, Walters was shut down for a brief period of time due to right shoulder stiffness. Walters was cleared to return to action March 15 and gave up one earned run on three hits and two walks over 2.2 innings across his final three appearances of the spring, but the missed time along with the fact that he had minor-league options remaining likely worked against him in his bid for the Opening Day roster. If he's able to get off to good start to the season at Triple-A, Walters should be in the mix for an early call-up, as he excelled in his first taste of the majors in 2024. The young righty allowed just six baserunners over 8.2 innings during the regular season and then held opposing batters to a .111 average over three postseason appearances.

Walters (shoulder) threw live batting practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Walters has been out with shoulder stiffness since late February, but he seems to be making progress in his recovery after throwing a bullpen session Sunday and now progressing to live hitters. That being said, it remains unclear if he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Walters is returning from right shoulder stiffness and threw a bullpen session Sunday, SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Walters was shut down after giving up three runs over one-third of an inning during his spring debut Feb. 24, but he's been cleared to resume mound work. The right-hander delivered 8.2 scoreless frames in his first taste of the majors last season, but it's unclear if he'll be past the shoulder issue in time for Opening Day.

Walters tossed 1.2 scoreless innings and did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

Walters served as the opener in a bullpen game and retired all five batters he faced while throwing 13 of 20 pitches for strikes. The 23-year-old has not surrendered a hit or earned run through his first 7.2 major-league innings while posting a 6:4 K:BB.

Walters will serve as the Guardians' opening pitcher in Wednesday's contest versus the Reds, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Guardians are altering their final-week pitching plans after locking up a first-round bye in the playoffs. Walters will serve as the Guardians' first pitcher in what's expected to be a bullpen game in the series finale Wednesday, with Joey Cantillo's next start being pushed back to Friday against the Astros as a result.

Walters (1-0) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the victory in Monday's 4-3 win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Walters has given up just one unearned run and posted a 2:1 K:BB over his first three innings in the majors. The 23-year-old surged through the Guardians' minor-league system after being selected 62nd overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, logging just 50.1 innings in the minors. He's in the majors for bullpen depth currently, though this will also serve as a first audition for him to potentially be a part of Cleveland's relief corps in 2025.