How the pecking order stands in SF Giants bullpen after closer shakeup

In a move that seemed somewhat inevitable, SF Giants manager Bob Melvin announced that Camilo Doval would be taking over closer duties from Ryan Walker. Let's take a look at how the pecking order in the team's bullpen now stands.

Ever since Walker began struggling late in April, Doval has experienced the opposite trajectory. Doval was the team's closer for all of 2022, 2023, and most of last season before struggles led to Walker replacing him in the role. Doval was even briefly demoted to Triple-A last season. He was an All-Star in 2023 and looks to have recaptured that form.

SF Giants pecking order in the bullpen changes with closer shakeup

In 25 appearances on the season, Doval has a 1.16 ERA in 23 and 1/3 innings pitched. He has not allowed an earned run since April 7th. He seems to have gotten the walks under control as he has only walked eight batters this season while he walked 39 batters in 59 innings last season. Doval has plenty of experience in the closer role and he has converted five of seven save opportunities this season, so the hope is he can continue his impressive form while being the team's ninth inning guy.

While Walker is going to have to serve in a different role, he is still a valuable weapon in the team's bullpen. His 4.95 ERA on the year is pretty high, but he has looked better in his last six outings as he has only allowed one earned run.

Expect Walker to serve primarily as a seventh or eighth inning guy going forward. He will probably slide down to being Melvin's third or fourth most trusted arm in the bullpen. Doval has to top the list with Tyler Rogers right behind him as the ever-reliable eighth inning man. Also, Randy Rodríguez has firmly implanted himself among the team's high leverage arms with his fantastic start to the season. Erik Miller is next in line after those four but could be used in the seventh or eighth if there are some tough lefties to be faced. Spencer Bivens, Jordan Hicks, and Tristan Beck are Melvin's low leverage and long-relief options.

It could definitely be a hit to Walker's confidence to see himself slide down the pecking order in the team's bullpen after being the closer to start the year. Yet, we know that he can be absolutely filthy when his mechanics are right and he has his command under control. His unique and deceptive delivery combined with his nasty sinker/slider combo can make him a nightmare for opponents when he is right.

There is still plenty of time this year for Walker to return to being a lethal late-inning arm for San Francisco. For now though, Doval represents the team's best option to reliably shut the door in the ninth inning.