Mariners' Taijuan Walker: Credits new mechanics for shutout

Walker credited a change in mechanics for his first career shutout Tuesday at the Angels, the Seattle Times reports.

Pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre proposed adjustments to Walker's mechanics earlier this season, but Walker resisted changing things. After his recent struggles, he finally gave in. "He told me, 'You have to do this,'" Walker said. Stottlemyre and Walker worked on a higher leg kick and more hip turn the last couple weeks. Walker got better results in his previous start, but it really seemed to pay off Tuesday. "Three weeks left in the season, it's kind of weird to change mechanics," Walker said. "But we've been out there working at it and I felt really good [Tuesday]. I told Mel three days ago when we went out to play catch that I think I've got it."