PHOENIX — Arizona right-hander Taijuan Walker has taken another step forward this season, seemingly spurred by a change of scenery.
The Diamondbacks traded Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger to Seattle for Walker and Ketel Marte this winter, a deal that also enabled the Diamondbacks to add controllable pieces and move a potential cash drain in Segura, who recently signed a five-year, $70 million contract with Seattle before entering his final year of arbitration.
It seemed a motivator.
“I guess you could say I’m on a mission,” Walker said. “The D-backs wanted me more, and that obviously makes you feel good.