Walker to test foot in simulated game

PITTSBURGH — Taijuan Walker will throw a three-inning simulated game against Mariners teammates on Wednesday afternoon at PNC Park as he works back from the tendinitis issue in his right arch that has put him on the disabled list the past three weeks.

The Mariners will likely have the 23-year-old right-hander make a Minor League rehab start if all goes well in the 45-pitch outing, with the hope he could rejoin the rotation during the next homestand in early August.

But manager Scott Servais wants to see some progress from Walker before he takes the next step. The club hopes extended rest has helped alleviate the pain that had been nagging his push-off foot since mid-June.

“He threw a bullpen in Toronto [last weekend], but it wasn’t that great,” Servais said. “He felt fine, but the ball wasn’t really coming out that well. So he needs to get after it tomorrow in the sim game. I don’t want him just flipping balls in there. He needs to get after it and treat it like a real game.”

Walker, 4-7 with a 3.66 ERA in 16 starts, figures the adrenaline will flow in a game-type situation.

“If someone is in the box and swinging, it’s competitive,” he said. “Another thing is having a radar gun on will help. If my velo …

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