San Diego Padres Give Workout To Former World Champion Closer

The San Diego Padres were the latest team to see the progress of a former world champion closer as he tries to make it back to the major leagues. 32-year-old Ken Giles threw his twice-weekly bullpen session, this time for the NL West contenders. 

Ken Giles threw a bullpen today for Padres at their Peoria complex. Continuing pens every Tues/Fri until he’s signed.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 25, 2023

Giles intends to throw a session every Tuesday and Friday down at spring training camps until he lands a new contract, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

The former Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays closer is now two years removed from Tommy John surgery, having essentially missed nearly all of the last three seasons. Giles was shut down by Tommy John surgery in October of 2020 and has pitched a total of just eight innings since then.

He's 32 now, and says he's 100% healthy. To prove it, he held a showcase for 15 teams earlier in the month before camps opened, and will continue to show his stuff for individual teams. 

Giles has 115 career saves, including 34 with the Houston Astros in 2017. He most recently posted 23 saves in 2019 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He'll continue to make his pitch to teams for another chance at the majors. 

Photo: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports