The Seattle Mariners signed a two-year, $ 7 million contract with reliever Ken Giles on Friday, which includes a club option for the 2023 season.
Seattle hired Giles knowing he won’t be launching for the Mariners this season while recovering from Tommy John’s surgery. Coach Scott Servais emphasized that no matter how far Giles makes his recovery, he will not play for the majors in 2021.
“There is no chance of that happening,” said Servais. “We are not going to let that happen. This is not the deal, and everyone understood that you did the right thing and took time to get it back.”
Seattle appointed right-handed pitcher Robert Dugger to open a spot in Giles’ 40-player roster.
When healthy, Giles has been one of the best relievers in the American League. He made 34 saves and an ERA of 2.30 in 63 games for Houston in 2017. He had 23 saves and an ERA of 1.87 in 53 games for Toronto in 2019, with 83 eliminations and just 17 walks in 53 entries.
But Giles had problems with his arm last season. He appeared in just four games before deciding in late September to have Tommy John surgery.
“Ken has been among baseball’s most valuable relievers since his debut in 2014,” said general manager Jerry Dipoto. “He has consistently dominated the strike zone with elite-level stuff. He will not be able to contribute this season as he continues rehabilitation from TJ surgery, but we are confident in his ability to impact our club in 2022 and potentially afterwards.”
Giles met Servais as pitchers and catchers reported at the team’s spring training center in Peoria, Arizona, this week. Servais said the likely plan is for Giles to remain in Arizona recovering after the team heads north for the start of the regular season.