Two seasons ago, Ryan Walker was one of the better closers in all of Major League Baseball. Now, he’ll have to look to find his form back in the Minors. In one of the more notable moves made on May 10, Ryan Walker was optioned to the Minors after he posted an ERA north of 6.00 over the first six weeks of 2026.

Walker optioned to Triple-A

The Giants optioned reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento.

Walker entered 2026 as the individual likely to take over as closer, a role that opened up thanks to Randy Rodriguez‘s recovery from UCL reconstruction surgery. The problem, though, is that Walker struggled with keeping runners off base. His 10 walks over 15 innings are partly why, as Walker walked 18 over 61 innings last season.

Rodriguez re-joining Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are reportedly calling up pitcher Yariel Rodriguez, per multiple reports.

Rodriguez was outrighted off the Jays’ 40-man roster this past winter, and started the year in Triple-A after he was a non-roster invite in the spring. The right-hander has pitched reasonably well, even though he walked nine over 13 innings.

The 29-year-old struck out 25 batters and consistently in the mid-90s.

Recalls & options

Kendry Rojas (Twins), Dylan Smith (Giants), and Jose Espada (Orioles) were recalled from Triple-A.

Kody Funderburk (Twins), Kervin Castro (Yankees), Paul Gervase (Dodgers), Joey Gerber (Mets), and Gregory Santos (Giants) were optioned to Triple-A.

Other notes

Baltimore designated Lou Trivino for assignment.

The Orioles claimed pitcher Christian Roa from the Twins, while Jackson Rutledge was claimed by the Phillies from the Nationals. Both were optioned to Triple-A.

Jerar Encarnacion (Giants), Eric Wagaman (Mets), Corbin Martin (Cubs), and Stephen Jones (Marlins) were sent outright to Triple-A.

Gage Workman (Tigers) and Wyatt Mills (Dodgers) had their contracts selected.

The Marlins released Chris Paddack.

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