Gregerson picked over Giles, retains role as Astros closer

By foxsports
Published

NEW YORK (AP) Luke Gregerson remains the Houston Astros closer, beating out newcomer Kevin Giles.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch made the announcement Monday after Houston's scheduled opener against the Yankees in New York was rained out.

Gregerson is a 31-year-old right-hander who went 7-3 with a 3.10 ERA. He converted 31 of 36 save chances last season in this first year in Houston.

Houston acquired Giles from the rebuilding Phillies in December as part of a deal that sent 2013 top overall draft pick Mark Appel to Philadelphia.

A 25-year-old right-hander, Giles was 6-3 with a 1.80 ERA in 69 games for the Phillies in 2015. He spent the final two months of the season as the closer and converted 15 of 17 save opportunities.