Report: Mariners not discussing Taijuan Walker as possible trade chip

A report from USA Today on Thursday indicated that Taijaun Walker was drawing strong interest from other teams around the league. To review Jerry Dipoto's history of moves as Mariners GM, click through the gallery. less A report from USA Today on Thursday indicated that Taijaun Walker was drawing strong interest from other teams around the league. To review Jerry Dipoto's history of moves as Mariners GM, click through the ... more Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Report: Mariners not discussing Taijuan Walker as possible trade chip 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

After USA Today reported Thursday that the Mariners are drawing strong interest on the trade market for right-hander Taijuan Walker, MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal Friday received a strong rebuttal from general manager Jerry Dipoto.

"We're not currently discussing Taijaun Walker with anybody," Dipoto said, according to Rosenthal. "He's staying right where he is."

Walker, on the 15-day disabled list with an ankle injury, is scheduled to throw a bullpen Friday at Wrigley Field before the Mariners open a three-game series against the Cubs. A number of opposing scouts were supposed to be on hand as interest in the 23-year-old picked up before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Walker is expected to go out on a rehab assignment Monday for Triple-A Tacoma. Optimistic projections have him returning to the Mariners rotation in early August.

In 2016, Walker is 4-7 with a 3.66 ERA in 16 starts.

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