[closing_time list_id=”17619″ season=”2018″ include_stats=”1″]

I’ve long been a Ken Giles backer largely due to his combination of skill and numbers. He was dominant over the second half of last season, and despite imploding in the World Series, I was determined to believe Giles could bounce back and be himself this season. I believe in A.J. Hinch to give him the support and leash he has earned over the past few years. While I still believe the situation can be turned around, I am not looking to die on this hill and don’t think he can be trusted right now. His lowered ranking doesn’t mean you need to go drop him for Keynan Middleton right now, as Giles upside is just way to high to give up on this early, but if you are in weekly leagues, I’d probably be sitting Giles this until further notice. It’s really a weird situation because Giles has still only allowed 2 runs on the year with no blown saves, but AJ Hinch just feels the need to use 3 different relievers in the role to confuse everyone. He still thinks Giles will lead the team in saves by the end of the year, and I’d tend to agree, but it’s certainly become clear that Giles is on thin ice right now, and can’t afford any meltdowns.