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Giants Shake Up Bullpen With Walker, Santos Demotions

The shake-up signals a push to steady a faltering relief staff on a 15-24 team.

Overview

  • The Giants, who optioned relievers Ryan Walker and Gregory Santos on Sunday, also activated left-hander Sam Hentges and recalled right-hander Dylan Smith to refresh the bullpen.
  • Walker lost his grip on the closer job after frequent first-batter walks and a 16.88 ERA in May, following a 17-save season last year.
  • Following Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Pirates, San Francisco sought fresh arms for a stretch with no off days that begins with four games in Los Angeles.
  • Hentges returns from rehab after a 1.93 ERA in 10 minor league outings, while Smith earned the call with a 2.13 ERA at Triple-A after a March trade from Detroit.
  • The roster reset continues a busy week for the club, which sits at 15-24 after promoting Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez and trading catcher Patrick Bailey to Cleveland for minor leaguer Matt Wilkinson and the 29th draft pick.