His struggles started last year when he had a 6.87 ERA over 59 appearances and allowed left-handers to bat .304 against him with seven home runs, while pitching with elbow inflammation. Since the start of last season, Walker has allowed 11 homers to left-handed batters, three more than he gave up in the previous four seasons combined.
After a solid five seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Walker was signed to a three-year, $12 million deal as part of the Orioles' much-maligned $42 million bullpen overhaul before the 2007 season.
He had a strong first season with the Orioles, posting a 3.23 ERA, holding left-handers to a .216 average and picking up seven saves. But he was never able to recapture that form.
Walker has made 545 career appearances, compiling a 4.13 ERA and 12 saves over parts of 10 big league seasons.
He said he plans to take a couple of days off and to resume throwing early next week. He says he hopes that he'll get another major league offer, but if he doesn't, he's satisfied with the career that he has had.
"Today is a big day in Jamie Walker's life," he said. "Hell, I don't have to go to work today. It's been a while. I want to keep playing. But if no team calls, obviously I don't play. It's that simple. There's no damn mysteries. ... I'm damn sure I'm not going to be riding buses in the minor leagues. I've paid my dues."
ORIOLES@ ATHLETICS
Tonight, 9:05
TV: MASN2
Radio: 105.7 FM
Inside: Izturis likely headed to DL PG 5
