| Oakland designates Walker for assignment |
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| Written by Admin |
| Saturday, 12 May 2007 11:13 |
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OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -Todd Walker's time in Oakland is over and so, too, may be his major league career. The infielder was designated for assignment by the Athletics to make room for pitcher Dallas Braden, who started Saturday's game against Cleveland after being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento. Walker was batting just .271 with no home runs and four RBIs in 18 games this season and had seen his playing time cut dramatically over the last two weeks. The 33-year-old made a rare start Thursday in Oakland's 17-3 win over Kansas City and went 2-for-3 as the designated hitter. He has been used primarily as a pinch hitter since the A's activated first baseman Dan Johnson from the disabled list on April 25. Walker, who has played for seven teams during nearly 10 years in the majors, acknowledged his career might be over. ``It just kind of depends on what happens,'' said Walker, who signed with the A's on March 30 after being released by the San Diego Padres. ``I'm fine with that. I've played 10 years in the big leagues. Not many people can say (that).'' Oakland manager Bob Geren said the decision was difficult. The A's need pitching help with starters Rich Harden and Esteban Loiaza on the disabled list. Walker started nine games at first base for Oakland but went to the bench after Johnson came off the DL. Johnson was hitting .412 with four homers and 12 RBIs entering Saturday's game against Cleveland. ``It was a situation where the way it was shaping up, he wasn't going to get enough playing time,'' Geren said. ``He's a great guy to have on the team but the opportunities were so slim.'' Walker said he will refuse a minor league assignment, leaving the A's 10 days to trade him or release him. He will spend the next few days with his family in Louisiana while contemplating his future. His daughter, Riley, turned six Friday and Walker acknowledged it's getting harder for him to miss out on family events. |
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