Toronto Blue Jays: 3 takeaways from opening series vs. Tampa Bay Rays

1) Blue Jays need Ken Giles back ASAP

It was all set up entering the bottom of the ninth, for the Blue Jays to close the door and clinch a well-deserved series win against a strong Rays team. Confidence was high with a 4-2 lead and with good reason, because Ken Giles was coming onto the mound.

This was the same pitcher who had entered the game on Friday night, with the Blue Jays holding a similar two-run lead. Giles did the job, allowing no hits or runs on the way to grabbing his first save of the season.

Unfortunately for the Blue Jays and their fans, things didn’t go quite as planned on Sunday afternoon. Giles started well enough, retiring the first two batters he faced and leaving the team on the verge of their second win of the season.

Then disaster struck, as Giles gave up a double and back-to-back walks to load the bases. Everyone could see he was struggling and after running up  3-1 count against Ji-Man Choi, he left the game.

As a result, the Rays got the two runs they needed to force extra innings, before winning the game in the 10th. However, as much as the loss hurt, an extended absence for Giles would hurt even more.

The 29-year-old has proved to be a valuable member of the bullpen, ever since arriving in Toronto as part of the trade which sent Roberto Osuna to the Houston Astros in July 2018. Last season he had 23 saves in 24 opportunities, an excellent 1.87 ERA and his lowest WHIP (1.000) since his rookie season in 2014.

The initial prognosis was right elbow soreness. However, Giles will undergo an MRI and other tests to get a clearer picture of what is being dealt with.

The Blue Jays will understandably be hoping it isn’t anything too serious. They need a lot to go right this season to be a genuine postseason contender, and this includes having Giles back at full fitness.