RYAN WALKER NEWS

Named closer Manager Bob Melvin said Wednesday that Walker will open the season as the Giants' closer, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Impact After Camilo Doval endured a string of poor performances following the All-Star break and was removed from the closer's role in early August, Walker took over as the Giants' primary end gamer to finish out the 2024 campaign. In addition to providing sterling ratios (1.91 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 99:18 K:BB over 80 innings) in his high-leverage relief role, Walker collected 10 wins, 10 saves and 21 holds. With the Giants opting not to make any major additions to the bullpen over the offseason, Walker looks like he'll get the chance to close on a full-time basis for the first time in his career. He'll be in position for fewer wins in the ninth-inning role, but if health prevails and he continues to perform at the level he did in 2024, Walker could finish among the league leaders in saves.

FEBRUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Nabs 10th win Walker (10-4) allowed a hit and a walk over a scoreless inning to earn the win Saturday over the Cardinals.

Impact Walker kept the game tied in the eighth inning before Brett Wisely's RBI single in the bottom of the frame put the Giants ahead. Walker is one of two relievers in the majors -- the other being Houston's Hector Neris -- to earn 10 wins this season. Over 80 innings, Walker has added a 1.91 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 99:18 K:BB, 10 saves and 22 holds while emerging as one the Giants' best relievers.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns 10th save Walker pitched a perfect inning and earned the save in Monday's 6-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

Impact Walker has rebounded with a pair of saves since he took a walk-off loss versus the Orioles last Thursday. The right-hander is up to 10 saves this year, which is impressive considering he took over the closing job in mid-August and the Giants haven't exactly been a dominant team. He's added 22 holds, a 1.94 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 99:17 K:BB across 79 innings in his second major-league campaign.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Rebounds with save Walker struck out one batter in a scoreless inning and earned a save over the Royals on Sunday.

Impact Walker made his first appearance since coughing up two runs against Baltimore on Thursday. He hit MJ Melendez to start his outing Sunday but retired the next three batters to finish off the 2-0 win. Walker has converted each of his nine save chances since Camilo Doval was briefly sent to Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 9. Walker owns an impressive 1.96 ERA with a 99:17 K:BB through 78 innings this season.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Falters in non-save situation Walker (9-4) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Thursday versus the Orioles.

Impact Walker allowed multiple runs for the first time since July 9 when he gave up a walk-off two-run home run to Anthony Santander in the ninth inning. The Giants' closer had not allowed an earned run over his previous 20.2 innings, and he entered Thursday on a 12-inning scoreless streak. He avoided a blown save since this misstep came in a tied game. Walker has eight saves, four blown saves, 22 holds, a 1.99 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP and a 98:17 K:BB through 77 innings this season.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Perfect for eighth save Walker picked up the save Wednesday against Baltimore, striking out one batter during a perfect ninth inning.

Impact Walker has converted on eight consecutive saves and hasn't allowed an earned run in 20.2 innings. During that stretch, he's allowed eight hits and has fanned 31 batters. On the year, Walker boasts a 1.77 ERA.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Perfect for eighth save Walker picked up the save Wednesday against Baltimore, striking out one batter during a perfect ninth inning.

Impact Walker has converted on eight consecutive saves and hasn't allowed an earned run in 20.2 innings. During that stretch, he's allowed eight hits and has fanned 31 batters. On the year, Walker boasts a 1.77 ERA.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Secures another save Sunday Walker got the save over the Padres again Sunday, completing five outs while not allowing any baserunners.

Impact Walker entered in the eighth with one out after Camilo Doval coughed up a two-run homer to make it a 7-6 game and then walked a batter to bring the leading run up to the plate for the Padres. Walker was able to get out of the inning and then pitched a perfect ninth to lock up the win for the Giants. Walker's now converted seven consecutive save chances and owns a sparkling 1.82 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 95:16 K:BB in 74.1 innings this season.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up sixth save Walker picked up the save over the Padres on Saturday, allowing one hit over a scoreless ninth inning.

Impact Walker took the mound with a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and surrendered a leadoff double to Fernando Tatis on the first pitch before retiring the next three batters in order to end the game and secure his sixth save of the campaign. The right-handed reliever has converted each of his six save opportunities this season and still hasn't allowed an earned run since July 27 against Colorado. Since the start of August he's gone 2-0 with six saves while posting a 29:3 K:BB over that stretch.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Snags win Thursday Walker (9-3) allowed a walk and struck out three over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win Thursday over the Diamondbacks.

Impact Walker got the last four outs before the Giants walked it off with a Patrick Bailey double in the ninth inning. Walker has collected five saves, three holds and two wins over 14 appearances during a 16-inning stretch in which he's allowed just one unearned run and racked up 30 strikeouts. He's emerged as an elite reliever this year with a 1.88 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 95:16 K:BB over 71.2 innings and continues to thrive since taking over the closer role in mid-August.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Locks down fifth save Walker struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Marlins.

Impact Walker has allowed just one unearned run on seven hits and two walks over his last 14.2 innings, striking out 27 in that span. He's picked up all five of his saves this year over his last eight appearances, and it doesn't look like Walker will be letting go of the closer role any time soon. He's now at a 1.92 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 92:15 K:BB through 70.1 innings this season. Walker's 67 appearances have him tied for second in the majors with Houston's Bryan Abreu and trailing only his Giants teammate Tyler Rogers (68), who earned the win Friday.

AUGUST 31, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Secures fourth save Walker allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Brewers.

Impact Walker gave up just a two-out single while protecting a one-run lead. He's continued his dominance in August, allowing one unearned run while posting a 24:2 K:BB over 12.2 innings this month. He's also earned all four of his saves in that span. Walker still looks to be the Giants' closer even with Camilo Doval back from a brief stint at Triple-A Sacramento. Walker has easily been the Giants' best reliever this year with a 1.95 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 90:15 K:BB over 69.1 innings.

AUGUST 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Notches third save Walker gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Mariners.

Impact The right-hander continues to thrive in a high-leverage role. Walker hasn't allowed an earned run since July 27, and over 11 appearances since then he's posted a 0.63 WHIP and 24:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings to go along with his pristine ERA and all three of his saves. Camilo Doval was called back up Saturday and worked in a setup role ahead of Walker, but there's no sign that the former is going to get back into the closer mix for the Giants any time soon.

AUGUST 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Locks down second save Walker picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the White Sox after striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Impact Walker needed just 11 pitches to strike out all three batters he faced in the ninth. He's been nothing short of spectacular since being named the team's new closer Aug. 10, allowing just an unearned run while posting an 11:2 K:BB over five innings. Jordan Hicks picked up the save Monday night and figures to be the fill-in closer whenever Walker is unavailable, but Walker seems to have firm grip on the role for a team who is still in the wild card hunt. The 28-year-old is putting together an incredible season as a whole, posting a 2.07 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 82:15 K:BB in 65.1 innings to go along with two saves, 22 holds and eight wins.

AUGUST 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up win Sunday Walker (8-3) got the win over the Athletics on Sunday, allowing an unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out five over two innings.

Impact Walker entered in the bottom of the ninth looking to send the game to extras with the score tied 1-1. He successfully did so and then came back out for the bottom of the 10th with a 4-1 lead after the Giants tacked on three. Walker found himself in a jam with the bases loaded and nobody out and struck out three batters in a row to seal the deal. He's now put together eight straight outings without giving up an earned run and has piled up three holds, a win and a save while posting a 14:2 K:BB over that span. For the year, Walker owns an impressive 2.10 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 79:15 K:BB in 64.1 innings.

AUGUST 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns first save as new closer Walker earned a save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Tigers, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Impact Walker was named the Giants' closer Friday night and immediately found himself in his new role. He put two runners on with one out but responded with two strikeouts to register his first save of the year. The 28-year-old owns an impressive 2.20 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 73:14 K:BB across 61.1 innings this season and should be rostered in nearly all fantasy formats now that he has the potential for saves.

AUGUST 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns first save as new closer Walker earned the save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Tigers, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Impact Walker was named the Giants' closer Friday night and immediately found himself in his new role. He put two runners on with one out but responded with two strikeouts to register his first save of the year. The 28-year-old owns an impressive 2.20 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 73:14 K:BB across 61.1 innings this season and should be even more valuable moving forward with the potential for saves.

AUGUST 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Taking over as closer Manager Bob Melvin said Friday that Walker will serve as the Giants' closer going forward, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Impact Walker has been dominant out of the bullpen this season, posting a 2.24 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 60.1 frames while typically handling the seventh inning for the Giants. With the struggling Camilo Doval now in Triple-A Sacramento, Walker will become San Francisco's go-to reliever in save situations and is worth rostering in all fantasy formats.

AUGUST 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Wins Game 1 Saturday Walker (7-3) allowed a run on one hit and one walk over one inning but earned the win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rockies.

Impact Walker allowed a game-tying solo home run to Michael Toglia in the top of the seventh inning, but the Giants took the lead right back in their half of the frame. It'll count as the fourth blown save of the year for Walker, three of which have come in July. He's allowed five runs over 12.2 innings this month, raising his season ERA to 2.43 with a 0.93 WHIP and 65:13 K:BB through 55.2 innings overall. He's also earned 19 holds and while settling into a setup role, and he continues to have appeal in fantasy with strong strikeout numbers.

JULY 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Wins Game 1 Saturday Walker (7-3) allowed a run on one hit and one walk over one inning but earned the win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rockies.

Impact Walker allowed a game-tying solo home run to Michael Toglia in the top of the seventh inning, but the Giants took the lead right back in their half of the frame. It'll count as the fourth blown save of the year for Walker, three of which have come in July. He's allowed five runs over 12.2 innings this month, raising his season ERA to 2.43 with a 0.93 WHIP and 65:13 K:BB through 55.2 innings overall. He's also earned 19 holds and while settling into a setup role, and he continues to have appeal in fantasy with strong strikeout numbers.

JULY 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up sixth win Walker (6-3) retired both batters he faced and earned the win Sunday over the Twins.

Impact Walker was called on for damage control after Camilo Doval blew a save chance. Walker got Willi Castro to ground out and Brooks Lee to fly out, keeping the game tied at 2-2 before Mike Yastrzemski tripled and scored on an error to win it for the Giants. Aside from a three-run stumble versus the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Walker continues to be quite steady in a high-leverage role. He's at a 2.32 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 62:10 K:BB through 50.1 innings while adding 17 holds and two blown saves this season. While reliever wins can be tricky to project, Walker's steady ratios, high strikeout rate and setup duties make him a reliable option for fantasy managers.

JULY 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Credited with win Walker (5-3) walked one and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win Friday over the Guardians.

Impact The Giants led wire-to-wire in the bullpen game, and Walker was rewarded with the win from the official scorer after getting five outs over the sixth and seventh innings. The reliever has a 9.1-inning scoreless streak, during which he's posted a 14:2 K:BB. He continues to impress in a versatile role with a 1.97 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 60:9 K:BB over 45.2 innings this season, and he's added 16 holds.

JULY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up fourth win Walker (4-2) pitched a perfect inning and struck out one, earning the extra-inning win over the Pirates on Wednesday.

Impact Walker kept the game tied in the ninth inning, and the Giants' offense exploded in the 10th to make him the pitcher of record. The right-hander has stumbled a little recently, allowing two runs over his last five innings, but he also has a 7:0 K:BB and three holds in that span. Walker is getting the job done with a 2.42 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 36:4 K:BB over 26 innings this season. He's added seven holds and one blown save while not seeing a lot of late-inning work, but his elite strikeout numbers make him an interesting option in all NL-only formats and some deeper mixed leagues as well.

MAY 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nabs second win Walker (2-2) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Saturday over the Diamondbacks.

Impact Starter Kyle Harrison went just four innings, and Walker ended up in line for the win when the Giants went ahead for good in the fifth. Since his three-run blow-up versus Miami on Tuesday, he's pitched a pair of perfect innings with five strikeouts. Walker continues to serve as a middle reliever, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB with one hold over 12 innings.

APRIL 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Snags win Sunday Walker (1-0) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Sunday over the Padres.

Impact Walker set down the heart of the Padres' order without problems, and the Giants rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning to make him the pitcher of record. The right-hander allowed a run in his season debut, but he's pitched 4.2 scoreless innings since then. He's allowed four hits and one walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings on the year, and it appears he'll be trusted with some late-inning assignments in close games after serving in a fireman role last season.

APRIL 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE