Per the Toronto Star, manager Charlie Montoyo said Monday that he didn’t expect the inflammation to be major and that Giles was “working through it,” but, the Star noted, the timing is anything but no big deal for the sell-mode Blue Jays with the trade deadline looming at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
It’s also the third time since the start of June that Giles’ elbow has been an issue.
“If he’s not 100 percent, we’re not going to pitch him,” Montoyo said (via ESPN.com).
The Athletic subsequently reported Tuesday that Giles had received a cortisone shot in the elbow, which an exam showed had no structural damage, and he wouldn’t pitch again before the deadline, Tuesday against the Royals being his last chance.
Why deal for a sore-armed closer? When he has been able to pitch, Giles, dubbed “100 Miles Giles” because of his fastball velocity, has been dominant, posting a 1.54 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 2019, with 58 strikeouts in 35 innings and 14 saves.
Still, in light of Giles’ being sidelined in recent days, The Athletic, following the Star reports, notes that Giles “will be difficult to trade under these circumstances.”
