Mariners' Taijuan Walker (shoulder) cleared to play catch Monday

After several setbacks Taijuan Walker has been cleared to play catch. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Seattle Mariners right-hander Taijuan Walker, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury since late February, was finally cleared to play catch on Monday. It's a step in the right direction for the 21-year-old starter, who has had several setbacks in his recovery.

Walker was initially shut down for seven days in late February, after an exam revealed inflammation in the bursa of his right shoulder. He showed up to spring training and seemed to be recovering. Nearly two months and several setbacks later, it seems he's finally getting back on track.

He was examined by Dr. Edward Khalfaya on Wednesday and was cleared to begin playing catch starting Monday.

On April 16, he was shut down for two weeks with a right shoulder impingement. There's no timetable for his return.