Walker undergoes successful TJ surgery

PHILADELPHIA -- D-backs right-hander Taijuan Walker underwent successful Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in New York.
"Everything went well," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "I've been in touch with his wife and he's resting comfortably. Hopefully, from what I understand, he is going to be leaving the hospital today."
Walker was forced to leave his start against the Dodgers on April 14 after just two innings and was later diagnosed with a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.
While Walker will be out until sometime during the 2019 season, the D-backs are planning on getting third baseman Jake Lamb and outfielder Steven Souza Jr. back much sooner.
Lamb, who is rehabbing from a sprained left AC joint, was recently shut down with right elbow tendinitis. He was re-evaluated Wednesday and the results were encouraging.

"He's going to begin a light throwing program [Thursday] if he gets through today's activity OK," Lovullo said. "He hit in the cage today and did a lot of the on-field things that he was able to do without throwing."
Souza, who has a strained right pectoral muscle and had resumed throwing over the weekend, had Wednesday off. He will stretch out his throwing distance Thursday and continue to hit in extended spring games.
Shelby Miller, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed last year, threw his first session of live batting practice Wednesday. He could return in June or July.