SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants right-hander Tyler Walker, who struggled during the season's first month as a late-inning reliever, was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Friday for Minor League pitcher Carlos Hines.

Walker, 29, came to the bullpen's rescue in 2005, saving 23 games while closer Armando Benitez was on the disabled list with torn hamstrings, but he was tagged for nine earned runs in only 5 1/3 innings this season before being designated for assignment last Sunday.

The Giants' lone San Francisco native was 0-1 with a 15.19 ERA over six relief appearances. During the past three years, the strong-armed pitcher logged an 11-6 record with 24 saves and a 4.68 ERA.

"I'm glad for Tyler," Giants manager Felipe Alou said. "He's in the big leagues and he gets a shot at pitching more innings than he did with us. I believe he needed to pitch more, and that would not have been the situation here."

Walker's roster spot was taken by rookie Brian Wilson, who unfortunately suffered a strain of a side muscle during his one-inning debut and is now on the 15-day disabled list.

Hines, 25, who will play for Triple-A Fresno, was 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA at Triple-A Durham this season. He's an eight-year Minor Leaguer.