In an MLB season that already saw Houston Astros star shortstop suffer a fractured rib during a massage, it appears a massage has now injured one of the most coveted players leading up to the trade deadline.
After not appearing in a save situation on Saturday against the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo announced closer Ken Giles is dealing with nerve inflammation in his elbow.
Giles apparently returned from the All-Star Break perfectly healthy then went to undergo a massage upon his return. That’s when he started to feel discomfort in his pitching elbow and was diagnosed with inflammation.
The Blue Jays consider Giles day-to-day for now, but the timing is still unfortunate for Giles and the club. The trade deadline is less than three weeks away and Giles is expected to be one of the most coveted relievers on the market.
Giles has been dominant this season for the Blue Jays with a 1.45 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 53 strikeouts across 31 innings. Toronto’s poor record has limited his save opportunities, but he has been nearly perfect with 13-of-14 converted.