Jamie

Walker

It wasn’t a tough save, as the Royals had a four-run lead after eight. Walker might have passed Chris Spurling to become the favorite for saves on the Tigers.

The 33-year-old Walker, who has a 3.38 ERA in 205 appearances over the last three years, is the best lefty reliever no one knows about. Fortunately for them, he wasn’t eligible for free agency since he spent little time in the majors before age 30.

Still a bargain. Walker could make an additional $150,000 in incentives each year.

He’s coming off his worst season in his four years as a Tiger, but picking up the option was still the right move. Walker made $1 million in 2005, including $100,000 in bonuses. He can earn up to $150,000 in incentives next season.

Ray had pitched just once in the last week and had been exceptional of late. There was also no report of an injury holding him back, so we assume this was only a matter of preference. The Athletics did have left-handers Jack Cust and Eric Chavez due up second and third in the inning, so the decision did make some sense on that level. However, the club hadn’t made a move like this before and it was surprising with their closer pitching so well. We wouldn’t read too much into it.

With three of the first four Rays due up in the ninth left-handed hitters, matchups favored using Walker with Chris Ray injured. He’s definitely in the mix for saves with Ray out, though he should only be part of a committeee.

Walker missed two games following the birth of his son.

Unfortunately, he gave up two earned runs for the second straight outing. Walker hasn’t been quite as effect as he was with Detroit last season, but in a Baltimore bullpen filled with disasters, he’s been one of the few bright spots.

That would have him returning at the very end of August as a best-case scenario. Ray will undergo an MRI later this week, at which point more will be known about the severity of the injury. If more damage is discovered, he could wind up being out for a lengthier spell. Danys Baez and Jamie Walker remain the best bets for saves.

Cory Doyne is on the way up to replace him. Danys Baez, Jamie Walker and Paul Shuey -- perhaps in that order -- will be the candidates for saves while Ray is out. It sounds like he’ll miss at least a month.