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Giants Option Struggling Pitcher Ryan Walker to Triple-A Before Mets Game
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- Giants Option Struggling Pitcher Ryan Walker to Triple-A Before Mets Game
Ryan Walker 's difficult 2026 season has taken another turn, with the San Francisco Giants optioning the right-hander to Triple-A Sacramento ahead of Saturday's matchup with the New York Mets .
Walker has struggled to find his footing this season, posting a 7.16 ERA and 1.81 WHIP across 33 appearances. He has allowed 40 hits and five home runs in 32.2 innings while walking 19 and striking out 23.
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The move marks Walker's second minor league demotion of the season after he opened the year as San Francisco 's designated closer. His struggles in the ninth inning eventually cost him that role.
The Giants announced the roster move on their official X account Saturday.
San Francisco is replacing Walker with right-hander Joel Kuhnel , who has joined the major league club. Kuhnel spent portions of the 2026 season with the Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers before landing with the Giants.
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Kuhnel is out of minor league options, adding another layer of importance to the move. If San Francisco wants to send him down, he would first have to clear waivers.
Walker, meanwhile, still owns three saves and five holds this season, but his command has been a major issue. His 19 walks in 32.2 innings have contributed to the inflated WHIP and limited his ability to handle high-leverage situations.
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The roster shuffle comes with the Giants already removed from the postseason picture. San Francisco entered Saturday at 58-84, sitting 26.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
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After Friday's 10-6 loss to the Mets, the Giants have little left to play for beyond evaluating pieces who could factor into their plans moving forward.
Kuhnel now gets an opportunity to establish himself in the bullpen, while Walker will head back to Sacramento looking to rebuild his confidence and regain the form that once made him a trusted late-inning option.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
