Phillies: 5 Blue Jays they’ll hate facing in interleague play
By Bryce Turner
Ken Giles
Another Blue Jay who the Phillies are familiar with is closer Ken Giles.
The right-hander was drafted out of college by the Phillies in 2011, recording a 9-4 record, 1.56 ERA and 16 saves with the team between 2014 and 2015.
Giles was traded to the Houston Astros in a deal that involved Vince Velasquez. He struggled in two and a half seasons with the Astros, compared to his time in Philadelphia, ultimately being traded to the Jays in a deal that involved Roberto Osuna in 2018.
Philadelphia Phillies
Giles impressed in his first full season in Toronto, recording his best ERA and WHIP since his time with the Phillies. He ended 2019 with a 2-3 record, 23 saves, 1.87 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in 53 games.
Given that the Astros and Jays are both in the American League, Giles has limited experience facing the Phillies. In three innings over three games against the team, he’s given up three hits and one walk, but no runs, while recording two saves.
The projected Phillies starting hitters who’ve faced Giles have also struggled. Gregorius, Harper, McCutchen, Realmuto, Segura and Rhys Hoskins combine for six hits, one home run and two RBI in 28 at-bats, being struck out nine times.
Last season, Giles gave up three hits and two walks, but no runs, in five innings against the National League.
Given his improvements last season and record against the Phillies and their top hitters, Giles is a pitcher who the Phillies will not want to face if they find themselves trailing late in a game against the Blue Jays.