The Giants have made roster moves, optioning veteran reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A. This decision comes after Walker’s recent struggles on the mound. The Giants also added relievers Sam Hentges and Dylan Smith.
Walker’s Struggles Lead to Roster Change
Ryan Walker, who arrived the same day as Patrick Bailey in May of 2023, has been optioned to Triple-A. The move marks Walker’s first time back in Triple-A since his call-up in 2023. The decision was made after Saturday’s game, following the trade of Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians.
Walker entered the 2026 MLB season as the main option in the ninth inning. However, he has given up a run in four straight appearances. Two runs came across in three of those games, contributing to his 6.46 ERA and 4.96 FIP. His strikeout rate is also the lowest of his career.
Hentges and Smith Join the Giants
Sam Hentges was signed in the offseason as part of an effort to improve the bullpen. Hentges, a tall left-hander, has previously shown dominance in the big leagues. He had been recovering from shoulder surgery.
Hentges made nine rehab appearances with Sacramento and had good numbers. He had reached the end of his allotted time on a rehab assignment and needed to be returned to the big league roster. Dylan Smith was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers in April. Smith had a 2.13 ERA as a reliever in Sacramento, striking out more than one batter per inning.
Kilian Emerges as Closer Option
Giants manager Tony Vitello has not named a closer. Walker struggled in that role last year after performing well in 2023 and 2024. Walker had his best stretch in late April, closing out the Los Angeles Dodgers on back-to-back days. However, he blew a save in Philadelphia on the next road trip. He was then passed by Caleb Kilian and Keaton Winn in the late innings, with Kilian now the top option in the ninth.
Walker had his best stretch in late April, closing out the Los Angeles Dodgers on back-to-back days, but he blew a save in Philadelphia on the next road trip and was passed by Caleb Kilian and Keaton Winn in the late innings.
Kilian is the current top option in the ninth.