Giants reliever Ryan Walker was optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday after three consecutive subpar appearances raised his ERA to 7.16 this season.Sending Walker back to Triple-A cleared a spot for the Giants to add veteran reliever Joel Kuhnel to the active roster.
Kuhnel was claimed off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday and immediately has a chance to make an impression on the Giants.
Kuhnel began the 2026 MLB season with the Athletics, posting a 4.21 ERA in 25 2/3 innings over 25 appearances.
But the Athletics designated Kuhnel for assignment on June 5 and traded him to the Brewers for cash considerations the next day.
In Milwaukee, Kuhnel posted a 6.52 ERA in 9 2/3 innings over 10 appearances, raising his overall ERA this season to 4.84. The 31-year-old was designated for assignment on Wednesday and claimed by the Giants two days later.
As for Walker, he has spent the season yo-yoing between San Francisco and Sacramento. Since being recalled before the Giants’ Aug. 24 game, the 30-year-old has allowed four earned runs in six appearances.
Walker was a revelation in 2024, but he...