Phillies’ Former Closer Joining Braves
Former Philadelphia Phillies closer Ken Giles is heading to Spring Training with the Atlanta Braves, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Giles, 33 years old, hasn’t pitched in two of the last three seasons. 2022 was the last time Giles took the mound when he pitched in just 4 1/3 innings for the Seattle Mariners. He didn’t allow an earned run in his five appearances. Giles started his career with the Phillies as he was drafted by the organization in the seventh round in the 2011 MLB Draft. The righty made his debut at 23 years old on June 12, 2014.
His first two seasons with Philadelphia proved that he had a lengthy career in front of him. During his rookie season, Giles posted a 1.18 ERA in 45 2/3 innings pitched. That included 64 strikeouts and a fourth-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting. The second season of his career was just as impressive, posting a 1.80 ERA across 70 innings pitched. Giles struck out 87 batters and allowed just two home runs. With the possibility of being in the Braves bullpen, it’ll be interesting to see how he does during Spring Training. There could be something left in the tank and that’s why Atlanta is giving him this opportunity.
If he makes the big league roster, he’d earn $1.75 million. For a contending Braves team, this could come back to be a small pickup that helps save their top bullpen arms over the course of regular season
