It’s been a rough last nine months or so for Astros reliever Ken Giles, and his failures appear to have taken a toll on him mentally a bit.
Giles, who was abysmal in the World Series (and the ALCS) last season, posting a ridiculous 26.99 ERA, which ended up costing him his job as closer, has struggled in 2018 as well. He currently has a 4.11 ERA, with 12 saves, but hasn’t been the team’s everyday closer, and may not be again. He’ll have to earn that responsibility back from manager A.J. Hinch.
He’s probably not going to accomplish that feat by cursing out Hinch, though, which is what he did after being pulled from Tuesday’s game against the Athletics. Hinch came out to the mound to remove Giles, who gave up three consecutive hits without recording an out.
“F–k you, man,” was Giles’ response to Hinch pulling him.
Ken Giles just said "F you man" to AJ Hinch when pulled after giving up two hits and not recording an out in the 9th. Please get rid of him. pic.twitter.com/jvoVh5bI6Y
— Sam (@BootsMcGeev) July 11, 2018
Hinch did a good job of downplaying the issue in speaking to reporters after the game, though.
AJ Hinch on how Ken Giles left the game: "I did hear about it..He was pretty mad in the dugout. That stuff happens in the heat of battle…He can let me know if it was directed at me. I didn't hear anything..If it turns out it was at me, we'll talk about it." pic.twitter.com/mqu6o5MYjs
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 11, 2018
Giles really is in no position to talk. He continues to show he can’t be counted on late in games, and that no lead is safe with him on the bump. The reality is that he just needs to be better, and return to his 2017 regular season-form. The rest will then fall into place.
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