NEW YORK — Ken Giles was surprised Houston Manager A.J. Hinch picked Luke Gregerson over him to be the Astros’ closer.
“Whatever A.J. wants, that’s what I’m going to do,” Giles said Tuesday. “It’s his decision so I need to follow it. It’s all for the team, not just me. It’s just a title, so I’m just going to do what I do best and bring my talents to help this team win.”
A 25-year-old right-hander, Giles was 6-3 with a 1.80 ERA in 69 games for Philadelphia in 2015 and spent the final two months of the season as the closer, converting 15 of 17 save opportunities. He was traded to the Astros during the offseason.
Gregerson, a 31-year-old right-hander, went 7-3 with a 3.10 ERA and converted 31 of 36 save chances last season in this first year in Houston.
YANKEES: Pitcher Bryan Mitchell will be sidelined at least four months following surgery to repair a broken bone in his left big toe.
Mitchell had a 6.37 ERA in two starts and 18 relief appearances last year, and the Yankees had planned for him to fill the long relief and spot starter role that had been held by Adam Warren, who was traded to the Chicago Cubs in the deal for second baseman Starlin Castro.
BREWERS: Starting pitcher Matt Garza was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his back.
Right-handed pitcher Tyler Cravy was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to replace Garza.
PIRATES: The team made official its five-year extension with right fielder Gregory Polanco, announcing a contract that could keep the 24-year-old in Pittsburgh until 2023.
The contract begins in 2017 and runs through 2021. The club holds options for 2022 and 2023.
ROCKIES: Commissioner Rob Manfred said he expects to rule soon on possible discipline for shortstop Jose Reyes, who has pleaded not guilty to abusing a family or household member.
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