The Giants send struggling reliever Ryan Walker to the minors

TL;DR

The San Francisco Giants have sent struggling reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento after he allowed runs in four consecutive outings. Walker, who started the season as the team's primary closer, has seen his ERA rise to 6.46.

Key points

Ryan Walker sent to Triple-A Sacramento
Allowed runs in four straight outings
ERA rose to 6.46
Started season as primary closer
Other roster moves included Santos and Hentges

San Francisco GiantsPittsburgh PiratesLos Angeles Dodgers

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants sent struggling reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday following his fourth straight outing when he allowed at least one run.

The move with Walker was one of several made before the Giants played a series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-hander Gregory Santos was also optioned to Sacramento, while lefty Sam Hentges was activated from his rehabilitation assignment and righty Dylan Smith was called up from Triple-A.

Walker began the season as the Giants primary closer after leading the team with 17 saves last season but was unable to hold that role. After saving back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Dodgers late last month, Walker has been ineffective.

He allowed seven runs and nine hits with four walks in 3 1-3 innings over his past four appearances with two blown saves. He allowed two runs, while retiring only two batters, in a 13-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday night to raise his ERA on the season to 6.46 and lead to the demotion to the minors.

Hentges began the season on the injured list after being signed as a free agent in the offseason. He had a 1.93 ERA in 10 outings in the minors on a rehab assignment before getting called up. He last pitched in the majors in 2024 for Cleveland and has a 4.18 ERA over four seasons in the majors.

Q&A

Why did the Giants send Ryan Walker to the minors?

The Giants sent Ryan Walker to the minors due to his poor performance, allowing runs in four straight outings and posting an ERA of 6.46.

What were Ryan Walker's stats before being sent down?

Before being sent down, Ryan Walker allowed seven runs and nine hits with four walks in just 3 1-3 innings over his last four appearances.

Who else was affected by the Giants' roster moves?

In addition to Ryan Walker, right-hander Gregory Santos was optioned to Sacramento, while lefty Sam Hentges was activated and righty Dylan Smith was called up.