MLB trade rumors: Jays closer Ken Giles (sore elbow) gets cortisone shot, will be difficult to deal

Bob Hille

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MLB trade rumors: Jays closer Ken Giles (sore elbow) gets cortisone shot, will be difficult to deal image

Blue Jays closer Ken Giles, several teams' trade target, has been unavailable for two straight games as he deals with inflammation and soreness in his pitching elbow and reportedly won't pitch before Wednesday's trade deadline.

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.

Previously, The Athletic reported that "all the contenders" have been interested in Giles, 28, but they likely would be reluctant to give up much for a reliever who is sidelined multiple games leading up to the trade deadline.

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."

Giles' elbow problem this year points to MLB's new trade deadline. Previously, Giles might've been unavailable at the July 31 non-waiver deadline but been dealt before the Sept. 1 deadline after passing through waivers and making him available for the postseason with a new team. This year, MLB instituted the one trade deadline, on July 31.

Bob Hille

Bob Hille Photo

Bob Hille, a senior content consultant for The Sporting News, has been part of the TSN team for most of the past 30 years, including as managing editor and executive editor. He is a native of Texas (forever), adopted son of Colorado, where he graduated from Colorado State, and longtime fan of “Bull Durham” (h/t Annie Savoy for The Sporting News mention).