Giants Demote Struggling Closer Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento Amid Bullpen Overhaul

On Sunday, the San Francisco Giants optioned right-hander Ryan Walker to the Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento. The move followed his fourth consecutive appearance in which he surrendered at least one run, and it was part of a series of bullpen adjustments made before the season-final game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

ESPN

Walker entered the 2024 campaign as the Giants’ primary closer, having recorded 17 saves—the most on the team—last season. After back-to-back saves versus the Los Angeles Dodgers in late May, his effectiveness declined sharply. Over his last four outings he allowed seven runs and nine hits, issued four walks in 3 1/3 innings, and blew two saves. In Saturday’s loss to Pittsburgh he gave up two runs while retiring only two batters, raising his ERA to 6.46 and prompting the demotion.

ESPN

• Ryan Walker – Right-handed reliever, former team-leading closer.

ESPN

• Tony Vitello – Giants manager, responsible for the roster move.

ESPN

• Gregory Santos – Right-handed reliever also optioned to Sacramento after allowing two runs in 1 1/3 innings on Saturday.

ESPN

• Sam Hentges – Left-handed pitcher activated from a rehab assignment; posted a 1.93 ERA in 10 minor-league outings before the call-up.

ESPN

• Dylan Smith – Right-handed arm recalled from Triple-A; acquired from Detroit in March and holds a 2.13 ERA in nine appearances with Sacramento.

ESPN

• Walker’s recent line: 7 runs, 9 hits, 4 walks in 3 1/3 innings; 6.46 ERA.

ESPN

• Hentges: 1.93 ERA in 10 minor-league rehab outings.

ESPN

• Santos: 2 runs allowed in 1 1/3 innings on Saturday.

ESPN

• Smith: 2.13 ERA across nine Triple-A appearances.

ESPN

• Giants’ record entering the day: 15-24, tied for the National League’s worst.

ESPN

Vitello emphasized that Walker’s skill set remains unchanged but suggested that mechanical adjustments and mental confidence are needed. He expressed optimism that a stint in the minors could help Walker regain form, noting that the coaching staff had identified specific physical habits—such as posture and pitch delivery—that diverged from his peak performance.

ESPN

> “He's the same guy skill-wise. I do think our pitching coaches identified some things physically that he's strayed from that when he's been at his best. Whether it's posture or how he's thrown a couple particular pitches… it all starts with the mind and what kind of information you're feeding it.” — Tony Vitello, Manager, San Francisco Giants

ESPN

The demotion reflects the club’s broader effort to stabilize a struggling bullpen as it battles for a better standing in the National League. By promoting Hentges and Smith while moving Walker and Santos, the Giants aim to inject fresh arms and potentially restore late-inning reliability.

ESPN

San Francisco will conclude the weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Giants’ roster adjustments—including the activation of Hentges and the call-up of Eldridge earlier in the week—suggest continued experimentation as the team seeks to improve its record before the season’s final stretch.

ESPN