The Giants president of baseball operations optioned former closer Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday morning after Walker’s latest stumble in Saturday night’s 13-3 loss to the Pirates. A primary issue: walks, particularly the first or second batter, something Walker has done each of his past three outings while putting up a 16.88 ERA in May.
Sam Hentges, a left-hander signed as a free agent during the offseason, came off the IL after completing a rehab assignment and will go into the bullpen along with right-hander Dylan Smith, who was called up from Sacramento.
Right-hander Gregory Santos was sent down along with Walker after allowing two runs in an inning and a third Saturday; with no days off and the Giants heading into four games at Los Angeles, the team will have a few more fresh arms.
Walker, 30, took over the Giants’ closer role two years ago when Camilo Doval had some struggles but he has been inconsistent since. He’s allowed 19 hits and 10 walks in 15⅓ innings this season and opponents have batted .311 off him.
Smith, 25, was acquired from the Tigers for cash on March 30 and has a 2.13 ERA in nine appearances with Sacramento.
On Saturday, the Giants traded catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians for minor-league pitcher Matt Wilkinson and the 29th pick in the amateur draft. That followed the May 3 promotion of top prospects Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez.
San Francisco entered Sunday at 15-24, tied for the second-worst record in baseball.