Christian Walker

Christian Dickson Walker (born March 28, 1991) is an American professional baseball first baseman in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

Career

Walker attended Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 49th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign. Walker played college baseball at the University of South Carolina from 2010 to 2012. While there, he helped the Gamecocks win the College World Series in 2010 and 2011. He also helped the team reach the 2012 College World Series, where they lost to the Arizona Wildcats. He finished tied with Dustin Ackley for most career hits in the College World Series. Overall in his career at South Carolina, he played in 206 games and hit 336/.427/.533 with 30 home runs and 137 runs batted in.

Walker was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his debut for the Aberdeen IronBirds. He played in 22 games and hit .284/.376/.420 with two home runs. Walker started 2013 with the Delmarva Shorebirds. In May he was promoted to the Frederick Keys. In July he played in the All-Star Futures Game. After the game he was promoted to the Double-A Bowie Baysox. He finished the year playing in 103 games and hit .300/.362/.453 with 11 home runs. Walker started 2014 back with Bowie.

On September 17, 2014, Walker was called up to the Orioles from AAA-Norfolk. He made his major league debut later that day. Facing Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J. A. Happ, Walker hit a double for his first major league hit. On September 20, he had his first multi-hit game, including his first career major league home run, off of Boston Red Sox starter, Rubby De La Rosa.

On February 21, 2017, the Orioles designated Walker for assignment. He was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves on February 25. On March 6, the Cincinnati Reds claimed Walker.

On March 28, 2017, Walker was waived by the Reds and claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks.