Mariners bring Tyler Walker aboard

SEATTLE, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Veteran reliever Tyler Walker signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners Tuesday for an undisclosed amount.

The beefy 32-year-old right-hander, who packs 262 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame, was 5-8 with a 4.56 earned-run average in 65 appearances for the San Francisco Giants in 2008.

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

Lifetime in the big leagues, Walker is 20-17 with 34 saves and a 4.52 ERA in 230 games (one start) with the New York Mets, Giants and Tampa Bay.