San Francisco Giants’ Manager Makes Key Changes in Bullpen

SAN FRANCISCO — Nearly four months have passed since pitchers and catchers reported for spring training, but the Giants’ rookie manager is still navigating new experiences.

One significant shift came when, before their third consecutive game against the Cubs, he announced, “Caleb Killian is going to close out games for us,” departing from the earlier by-committee strategy.

“We’ve discussed being more organized,” he said, acknowledging that the bullpen has felt chaotic. “If we establish a baseline, we can likely enhance the team’s overall performance.”

This announcement coincided with the return of Ryan Walker, the last pitcher to officially hold the closer title in San Francisco, who had just come back from a month in the minors.

Walker, with 30 saves over the last three seasons, faced challenges last year and wasn’t able to reclaim his closer role during spring training. This season, he has converted three of six save opportunities and was one of eight pitchers used for the Giants’ 21 save chances, which included instances when Killian wasn’t the one on the mound.

Keaton Wynn, featuring a powerful splitter, found himself getting those late chances recently. Though he showed promise, he missed some key opportunities that could have shifted a game in their favor.

Killian, having five save chances—second only to Walker—nailed four of them while posting a 3.34 ERA.

“I think he did a commendable job,” Vitello remarked. “It’s also about what the other players bring to the table. He wants the ball in high-pressure situations.”

With limited reliable options, Vitello’s situation has become more challenging as he attempts to manage a major league bullpen for the first time. Since late April, the Giants’ relief pitchers have struggled, recording a 5.35 ERA, ranking among the worst in the league.

As he seeks to bring more order to the bullpen, Walker’s new focus will be to tackle high-pressure situations as a “firefighter.”

“He’s stepping into significant roles,” Vitello noted. “It’s crucial for Walk to manage those critical moments that arise anytime after the starter exits.”

This essentially means the Giants will lean on Walker for pivotal plays in the ninth inning, while Wynn and JT Brubaker can handle multiple innings in the middle relief. Vitello expressed satisfaction with Dylan Smith since his call-up the previous week.

As they head into critical ninth innings, the role seems firmly in Killian’s hands—at least for now.

“At this moment, I’m just focused on my job,” Walker said. “However, my ultimate aim is to return to those vital roles and reclaim the closer position.”

Although Walker had success in save opportunities, allowing a run during a stint that saw him record multiple saves, he was later sent back to the minors.

It was the first time since May 2023 that Walker was optioned down after being brought up alongside former catcher Patrick Bailey. Reflecting on his demotion, he admitted, “I wasn’t surprised. I was positive and thought, okay, this time is an opportunity to get better.”

Upon return to the Giants’ Arizona facility, he worked with Matt Yorkin to refine his mechanics. During his stint in Triple-A Sacramento, he had allowed 10 walks over 15 1/3 innings.

They implemented minor adjustments to his delivery, which appear to have improved his command. Outside of one problematic inning, Walker limited walks effectively in other appearances.

He adjusted his stance, which now favors a slight angle, allowing him to throw more consistently and accurately.

“Once I fixed my mechanics, everything flowed better,” Walker shared. “It felt like I was on the right path once more.”