Taijuan Walker was scratched from his Arizona Fall League start Saturday and has decided not to pitch any more this offseason, MLB.com reports. "[Walker] is completely healthy and was very impressive in his two outings, but made a personal decision that h

Walker was scratched from his Arizona Fall League start Saturday and has decided not to pitch any more this offseason, MLB.com reports. "[Walker] is completely healthy and was very impressive in his two outings, but made a personal decision that he needed to return home at this time," GM Jack Zduriencik said. "He will continue with his offseason program and we look forward to seeing him at spring training in February."

Analysis:

The Mariners had set a target of about 30 AFL innings for Walker, who missed the first two months of the regular season with shoulder troubles, but the right-hander only ended up tossing nine frames. He was very good in his two starts, however, allowing just two runs while fanning 11, and the team doesn't seem the least bit concerned about his health or about him losing out on some work. The 22-year-old Walker posted a 2.61 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with the big club this season, with a 1.96 ERA in 23 September innings.