HOUSTON (AP) – Closer Ken Giles has been traded from the Phillies to Houston Astros as part of a seven-player deal that sends former No. 1 overall draft pick Mark Appel to Philadelphia.
Shortstop Jonathan Arauz also goes to the Astros under Saturday’s agreement, and pitchers Vince Velasquez and Bret Oberholtzer go to Philadelphia along with outfielder Derek Fisher.
A 25-year-old right-hander, Giles took over as closer after the trade of Jonathan Papelbon to Washington last summer. Giles, who made his big league debut in 2014, went 6-3 with a 1.80 ERA and 15 saves in 20 chances this year. His fastball averages 97-98 mph and has reached 100 mph; Giles has 151 strikeouts over 115 2-3 innings in two big league seasons.
Luke Gregerson had 31 saves in 36 chances this year for the Astros, who reached the playoffs for the first time in a decade.