Mets GM: Walker can play through herniated disk

New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson says that reports of Neil Walker's injury being ultra-serious are "overblown."

A day after manager Terry Collins said "there's a lot of concern" over Walker's shaky back, Alderson said the second baseman can play through what's been diagnosed as a herniated disk, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

While the injury may not be overly serious, it's still causing weakness in Walker's lower body. Wilmer Flores started at second base Tuesday, and it's expected that Walker will get extra rest down the stretch.

Despite dealing with the back injury for most of August, Walker batted .389/.450/.667 with six home runs over 18 games.