Hours before each game, Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker can be found laying on his back in the outfield. There, his skin alternately cooled by the grass and warmed by the sun, hell close his eyes and listen as a soothing voice speaks through his headphones.

Theres nowhere else to be. Theres nothing you have to do. Just be in the moment.

That voice marks the beginning of a new pregame ritual that Walker has picked up this year, which so far has been the toughest year of his career. Entering Sunday, Walker is hitting just .208 with a .569 OPS. Hes played in only 30 of the teams 65 games thanks to an oblique strain that resulted in a couple of stints on the injured list, undoubtedly affecting his ability to get into a groove. Its a stretch that would tax even the strongest of minds.

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Diamondbacks slugger Christian Walker turns to meditation to combat slowest start of his career - The Athletic