M’s prospects showcased at Futures game in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Danny Hultzen and Taijuan Walker have only been apart for a couple of weeks, two-thirds of the Mariners’ vaunted “Big Three” torn asunder by Hultzen’s promotion to Tacoma.

But the two pitchers were enjoying their reunion on Sunday at the Futures Game, the annual prospects showcase prior to Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium.

“I kind of missed him a little bit,” Walker said, grinning.

“It’s good to see his face again,” Hultzen added.

The other member of the Big Three, James Paxton, played in this game last year, and his stories about the experience awakened a desire in Walker to earn a selection himself.

“I kind of made it a goal to make it this year,” he said.

Walker, still a month shy of his 20th birthday, worked a scoreless seventh inning in the U.S.’s 17-5 romp over the World.

“It was great. So many fans,” he said. “Before the game, before I got on the mound, I just took a deep breath and took it all in. It was great, a great experience.”

Walker hopes that a recent rocky stretch with Class AA Jackson is now behind him. After breezing through the early part of the season in dominating fashion, Walker has a 9.15 ERA over his past five starts.

“I think it’s more mental,” Walker said. “It’s just kind of got in my head a little bit. Players go through bumps like this.”

Hultzen worked the third inning on Sunday, giving up four hits (one to the infield) and a run while striking out one.

“The whole experience was awesome,” he said. “So much fun. I felt like a big leaguer today.”