Former MLB Closer Holds Throwing Session For 15 Teams

Now two years removed from Tommy John surgery, and having essentially missed nearly all of the last three seasons, former World Series champion and big league closer Ken Giles is holding a showcase for major league teams Wednesday morning.

Ken Giles will be throwing a bullpen for interested teams this tomorrow at ASU in Tempe 9:15-10 am. Medicals will be provided upon request. 15 plus teams are expected.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 8, 2023

The former Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays closer is expected to have at least 15 clubs attend his throwing session in Tempe, Arizona, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman. 

Giles' team will distribute medicals to any interested teams as well. 

Still just 32, Giles was shut down by Tommy John surgery in October of 2020. He said he's finally “100% healthy." He's pitched a total of just eight innings over the last three seasons.

Giles has 115 career saves, including 34 with the Houston Astros in 2017. He most recently secured 23 saves in 2019 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He had signed a 2-year, $7M deal with the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2021 season, and they had hoped he'd be able to return in 2022 after his recovery from the TJ surgery. But he managed to pitch just 4.1 innings for them, and they released him. 

Now comes his big pitch to make it back to the majors. 

Photo: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports