Houston Astros: Optioning Giles is best for the team and player
By T.A. Mock
The Houston Astros have optioned Ken Giles to AAA. They also recalled Cionel Perez from AA. Let’s take a look at why this is best for the team and player.
The Houston Astros are in a battle of a series with the Oakland Athletics. The A’s have been very surprising, especially the past month or so. They’ve won 17 of their last 22 games. They were supposed to be rebuilding but, they’re making a push in the division instead.
The first game of the series saw the Houston Astros get shut out after a fine game by Gerrit Cole. Tuesday night’s game with Justin Verlander on the hump was going extremely well. Verlander was pitching a gem and the offense provided run support. Going into the 9th inning, the ‘Stros had a four-run lead.
Ken Giles was called upon to finish out the game. However, he let the first two guys get on base and the Astros made another call to the pen. Hector Rondon warmed up quickly and took Giles’ place on the mound. When AJ Hinch came out to get Giles, he went to the dugout begrudgingly. There is some debate as to whether Giles dropped an F-bomb at his head coach or if he was just shouting it to himself. So, we won’t speculate on that
Regardless, Giles was optioned to AAA Wednesday afternoon. The Houston Astros recalled Cionel Perez from the Corpus Christi Hooks in a corresponding move. Giles has had plenty of blowups this season and may need some time to reset mentally in the minors. He has become an easy scapegoat for this team but, his production hasn’t been as bad as many think.
In defense of @Astros Ken Giles...
— Richard Justice (@richardjustice) July 11, 2018
2.25 FIP, 8th-best among AL relievers
3.21 xFIP, 16th
.366 BABIP, 7th-highest (insanely high, some poor luck)
63.2% soft or medium contact
Summary: his mound blowups are inexcusable, but his performance isn't as bad as standard numbers indicate
Giles has honestly just been unlucky. He has been pitching extremely well. However, guys have just been reading his stuff well and putting the ball where the defense is not. But, like Justice said, his blowups are inexcusable and not acceptable from a pro. He fiery nature is what can make him elite, he just needs to channel it.
Regardless, this move is best for the team and the player.
Like I mentioned earlier, Giles just seems like he needs a mental break. A time to reboot and recapture what can make him great. His stuff has been just as electric as always but, he’s just gone through a rough patch.
Some time in AAA to hone in, refocus, and regroup may be exactly what he needs. Giles probably won’t be back until after the All-Star break. It’s not too far away and anything shorter wouldn’t make too much sense. So, it’s definitely what is best for the player.
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As far as the Houston Astros go, the team could use some time apart from the player. He has cost the Astros a few times this season even though has been much better lately. If he truly was yelling at Hinch Tuesday night then, the team definitely needs a break.
Plus, on top Giles resetting and getting his mind right for a playoff run, the team gets to see what it has in rookie Cionel Perez. He has been a starter the majority of his big league career, he has been getting some work as a reliever. His best shot at sticking in the bigs is out of the pen.
His most recent appearance for the Hooks came in relief. He had a four-inning save on Sunday. Perez gave up just 2 hits and 0 runs while striking out 8. Pretty dadgum good. So, the Houston Astros will have a shot to see what they have in their young lefty. If he can come up, compete, and ultimately perform it’ll be a boon to this pitching staff.
Next: Four players snubbed from the All-Star game
So, losing Giles definitely has some pros and cons. However, at the end of the day, this move is what is best for the team and player. Sure, it’s not ideal for Giles as he wants to compete in the majors. Sure, it’s not ideal for the Astros who lose a guy they traded to be their closer. But, it is what is best for both parties. Here’s to hoping their both better because of it.