Former Dodgers Minor Leaguer Looking to Make MLB Comeback

A former top reliever is looking to make a comeback this offseason.

Right-handed relief pitcher Ken Giles will throw a bullpen session in an attempt to make an MLB comeback, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Giles spent the 2023 season with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City.

Veteran closer Ken Giles will be throwing a bullpen Friday, Jan 26 in Phoenix for any interested teams. Giles is said to be healthy, and ready to resume MLB career. Medicals provided upon request.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2024

A former top reliever, Giles has struggled to stay healthy the past couple of years. He missed all of 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and missed significant time in 2022 due to a right middle finger injury.

After coming back from the finger injury, the Seattle Mariners DFA'd him at which point he entered free agency. 

He signed on with the Dodgers in 2023 on a minor-league deal, but never reached the major-league level. In 18 innings with Oklahoma City, Giles allowed 19 earned runs, but did strike out 28 batters. 

Giles made his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014 and immediately became one of their top arms. In his first six seasons, Giles had a 2.67 ERA and 12.2 SO/9 playing for the Phillies, Houston Astros, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Since 2020, the right-hander has only pitched eight total innings spending most of the time on the injured list. 

The 33-year-old has the pedigree to be a valuable bullpen piece for a team when he is healthy. With a fairly light free-agent market, he should draw some interest from teams needing a middle reliever.