Giants demote disastrous closer as losses pile up

The San Francisco Giants reshuffled their bullpen on Sunday, sending former closer Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento after another difficult outing in Saturday night’s 13-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move comes as San Francisco continue searching for stability amid a month-plus stretch of inconsistency.

Walker, who had taken over the closer role two years ago after Camilo Doval lost his command, has not been able to settle this season. Over his last four appearances, he allowed seven earned runs on nine hits and four walks in 3.1 innings, including two blown saves. His season ERA rose to 6.46 with a WHIP of 1.89. Across 16 games, the 30-year-old right-hander is 0-1, with opponents hitting .311 against him after he surrendered 19 hits and 10 walks in 15⅓ innings. He was originally selected in the 31st round of the 2018 MLB Draft and is in his fourth season with the Giants.

Walker’s May woes have been especially severe, posting a 16.88 ERA while repeatedly issuing early walks to hitters in recent outings.

San Francisco also optioned right-hander Gregory Santos after he allowed two runs in 1.1 innings on Saturday. Santos, 26, is 0-0 with a 3.60 ERA in three games this season and has previously played for the Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners before returning to San Francisco.

To reinforce the bullpen, left-hander Sam Hentges was activated from the injured list after a rehab assignment, while right-hander Dylan Smith was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento. Smith, 25, owns a 2.13 ERA in nine appearances after being acquired from the Detroit Tigers on March 30.

Roster changes continued earlier in the week when catcher Patrick Bailey was traded to the Cleveland Guardians for pitcher Matt Wilkinson and the 29th draft pick, following the May 3 promotions of Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez.

The Giants sit at 15-24, tied for the second-worst record in baseball and last in the NL West. The team is also 9-12 at home, and its series with the Pirates is tied 1-1 at Oracle Park heading into the deciding game later in the evening.

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