Jordan Walden

Jordan Walden became a free agent last week when the Cardinals declined his 2017 option. He has pitched with the Braves in the past, in 2013 and 2014 so the organization is very familiar with him. He has good velocity and high strikeout appeal and could bolster the Braves bullpen for late inning relief. The deal comes with a spring training invite. Walden spent most of 2016 dealing with a shoulder issue.

Fantasy Impact

In fantasy leagues where relief pitching is used, he could be a valuable piece if he has no shoulder issues. We'll see in spring. In the two years he was with the Braves he pitched around 50 innings each with a K rate of 10.34 and 11.16. If he's back in full health, he's worth a look.

Jordan Walden has been diagnosed with a Grad 2 lat strain. The team expects the injury to sideline Walden for at least a few months.

Fantasy Impact

Another injury for Walden, who was solid to end last season with the Cardinals. He doesn't hold any fantasy value at this point, and it remains to be determined if he'll be able to return as an effective reliever after hitting the DL for another extended stretch.

Jordan Walden will not be on the Cardinals' 25-man roster when camp breaks. The RP continues to experience discomfort in his throwing shoulder and will undergo additional testing to determine the extent of the injury.

Fantasy Impact

Though he hasn't been a regular closer in several years, Walden has been a valuable bullpen piece. He was solid in 12 appearances spanning 10 1/3 innings with the Cardinals last season.

St. Louis Cardinals set-up man RHP Jordan Walden started his throwing program earlier this week and according to sources he is still on track to pitch again in St. Louis before the All-Star break.

Fantasy Impact

In 12 games prior to going on the disabled list, Walden had an ERA of 0.87 with 12 strikeouts, eight holds and a save. Walden was a big force in the 8th Inning for the Cardinals and will be a happy addition to owners and Cardinals fans when he arrives back to St. Louis.

Jordan Walden closed out the ninth inning of the Cardinals' 2-1 victory over the Reds on Sunday night, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Fantasy Impact

Walden was called upon due to Trevor Rosenthal being unavailable after needing 20 pitches to record the save on Saturday. His lone hit was a bit of a fluky single that Matt Adams stabbed down with his glove. Walden now sports a 1.35 ERA on the season and would be first in line to pick up saves should Rosenthal struggle.