breaking news; Ryan Walker suspended for 2 years ……..
A former 31st-round draft pick who methodically climbed the minor-league ladder and debuted last May in relative anonymity at 27 years old, Ryan Walker was such an unlikely candidate to become the Giants’ next closer even he had trouble envisioning it until recently.
Walker’s elevation to the closer’s role wouldn’t have been possible without a season’s worth of lights-out performances in increasingly high-leverage situations. But first he had to learn how to deal with the bad ones.
“I (would) just let my emotions take over,” Walker said. “With the harder innings, I’ve been able to not mentally destroy myself on those anymore. Last year, I did a little bit. Afterward. Even in the middle.”
In fact, in the middle of his stickiest situation since assuming the role, Walker did some of his best work. Protecting a 4-2 lead last weekend in Oakland, Walker loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the 10th, but he buckled down to strike out the next three batters to end the game.
“When the bases got juiced, I honestly felt more calm,” he said afterward.
In four appearances as the team’s closer as of Friday, Walker had performed so well in the role (5 IP, 0 ER, 11 K’s) that he could hold it down even when Camilo Doval returns from his minor-league assignment. Manager Bob Melvin said he expected his former closer back soon – the minimum 15 days from when he was optioned elapsed Saturday – but wouldn’t commit to giving Doval his old role.
Prior to his promotion, Walker established himself as one of the league’s most reliable relievers, appearing in more games (63) than anybody but teammate Tyler Rogers (64) while posting a 2.78 ERA with his sinker-slider mix.
“I’ve discovered a lot of stuff about myself,” the crossfiring right-hander said earlier this season. “I’ve just learned more about my abilities. Understanding th
