The Houston Astros have optioned pitcher Ken Giles to Triple-A Fresno after an incident involving Giles and A.J. Hinch. In the Astros last game, when Hinch went out to get Giles, he proceeded to curse at him as he walked off the field.
The Astros have optioned RHP Ken Giles to Triple A Fresno and have recalled LHP Cionel Pérez from Double A Corpus Christi.
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 11, 2018
Initially, Hinch commented saying that he was unaware of what Giles had said and unaware that it was directed towards him. Then later when asked about Giles’ multiple incidents this year he told reporters,” He’s had success in this league, he’s had success in this league this year, but right now he’s got to sort some things out to get back to be the leverage reliever that he can be.” General Manager Jeff Lunhow also commented saying that it was entirely a baseball decision and the incident with Hinch had no impact on the decision to option Giles.
#Astros GM and pres. of baseball operations Jeff Luhnow here on Ken Giles’ demotion to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/URyqMCV8kA
— Christian Boutwell (@byCBoutwell) July 11, 2018
Earlier this year, Ken Giles gave up a go-ahead home run and was pulled, after being pulled he proceeded to punch himself in the face while walking off the field. After reaching the dugout Giles decided to throw a bat at the ground for good measure. All-Stars Jose Altuve and Justin Verlander have kept the Astros rolling while Giles has struggled and lost a few games for the Astros.
Giles has had some struggles in 2018, on May 27th he came into the ballgame with an 8-3 lead in the ninth inning and he then surrendered 3 runs without recording an out. Regardless of the incidents, he has had, Giles has struggled and his performance has resulted in his demotion to Triple-A Fresno to help him figure things out.
