Mariners sign RHP Walker to one-year deal

Jan 7, 2009 - 2:04 AM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Seattle Mariners added to their bullpen mix Tuesday, signing righthander Tyler Walker to a one-year contract.

The 32-year-old Walker went 5-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 65 appearances for the San Francisco Giants in 2008.

He will join a rebuilt Mariners bullpen and could battle against the likes of Aaron Heilman and Miguel Batista for the closer's role.

"That's not up to me," Walker said during a conference call. "But you ask any guy in the bullpen, and they will tell you that's the place to be."

Walker stranded more than 82 percent (32-of-39) of the runners he inherited and limited righthanded batters to a .186 batting average last season.

"Tyler is a pitcher we had identified early on as a guy who could help us in the bullpen," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He has the ability to pitch in any role - middle relief, set-up and he has experience as a closer."

Walker briefly served as San Francisco's closer in 2005 and collected 10 saves for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays the following season. He underwent "Tommy John" surgery in 2007.