Tyler

Walker

Armando Benitez will likely take over as closer, while LaTroy Hawkins appears to be locked in as the set-up man. That means Walker will have to battle with Scott Eyre and Scott Munter for opportuninties to pitch. Owners of Walker should continue to ride him as long as he’s closing and then cut him loose when Benitez takes over.

Walker, who got out of a two-on, two-out jam after entering the game in the eighth, gave up four straight hits, the third a three-run homer to start the ninth. With Armando Benitez back, Walker’s run as closer should be just about over.

''We gave him two days and we got 88, 89 miles an hour,’' manager Felip Alou said. ''He’s a guy who throws 95, 96. He’s a big guy with a lot of courage but he’s never done what he’s doing now, closing games.’' He’s in a lot of pain and will probably miss time with the injury, while also getting an MRI. Look for Armando Benitez to close games in his absence.

If it’s just inflammation, Walker should be back early next month. By that time, Armando Benitez figures to be entrenched in the closer’s role. It’s possible that LaTroy Hawkins will get a couple of saves before Benitez permanently reclaims his job.

Walker is out for the season following Tommy John surgery.

After a very nice stretch during May, Walker has given up runs in four of his last seven appearances. The Rays could go back to a closer-by-committee situation if his struggles continue over the next week or two.

The Rays likely will go back to a closer-by-committee while Walker is out. Ruddy Lugo could be the top choice for saves. Shawn Camp, Travis Harper and Chad Harville could also receive opportunities. None of the candidates should be picked up in mixed leagues right away. Lugo and Camp are probably worth owning in AL-only leagues.

“According to what they’re saying, it should be a little bit of rest, start throwing, a lot of exercise kind of stuff and he might be fine in a couple of weeks,” Maddon said. “If it doesn’t respond to that, then we move on from there.”

Since taking a loss against the Yankees on May 2, Walker has thrown 9 1/3 scoreless innings with a 6/0 K/BB ratio. He’s also 7-for-7 in save opportunities while adding a win during that span.

Although Walker was closing for the Rays before getting hurt, he’s a below average reliever and he had no place in the club’s long-term plans. Brian Meadows is filling in as the closer right now. The job could belong to Seth McClung beginning next month.