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If Ken Giles has burned his bridges with the Astros, maybe they could flip him for another closer before the trade deadline.
The Astros made a move yesterday that shocked fans, or gave them exactly what they wanted. After his emotional outburst, former closer Ken Giles was optioned down to Triple-A. While the Astros are saying all the right things, there could be a chance that Giles has burned his last bridge. Giles is going to Triple-A to work on regaining his confidence, and hopefully, he will return to help down the stretch.
Cionel Perez made his debut last night, allowing one run in 1 2/3 innings. He did walk two hitters, but he looked like he could be part of the plans in 2018. However, it is July, and that means it is time for trade speculation and rumors. Despite last night’s 8-3 defeat, the Astros are still a great team with very few needs.
With Giles’ future up in limbo, it could open a hole in the Astros bullpen.
Hector Rondon has looked the part with a 1.62 ERA with seven saves while striking out 44 hitters in 33 1/3 innings. Chris Devenski and Brad Peacock both have two saves each with AJ Hinch‘s management style. The Astros don’t like to name one closer. But instead, they chose the best reliever for the matchups.
If there is no set closer, that means they can go out a trade for a closer. Rondon has been perfectly content to pitch in any situation. If the Astros are really down on Giles, then maybe a change of scenery is needed. Maybe he needs to be traded. Does he have any value?
Continue below.