Call to the pen
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Toronto Blue Jays could get bullpen reinforcement soon

By David Hill

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 24: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Opening Day at Tropicana Field on July 24, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 24: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Opening Day at Tropicana Field on July 24, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays are set to get some help for their playoff push as Ken Giles is expected to return to the bullpen in the next few days.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season. While they had seemingly improved their roster during the offseason, the Blue Jays were still considered to be a year or two away from contending. Instead, they sit in second in the American League East, holding the sixth spot in the playoffs while looking to move up the ladder.

That playoff push may receive a boost in the next few days. Ken Giles threw batting practice on Tuesday and, provided he does not have any setbacks, could join the bullpen this weekend.

Giles only had two outings for the Blue Jays this year, allowing two runs on a hit and four walks while striking out three batters. It is not a given that he would immediately return to his familiar role as the Blue Jays’ closer once he is back on the roster.

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The Blue Jays also do not need to rush him back into that role. Anthony Bass has been solid as their closer, notching five saves while posting a 3.10 ERA and a 0.984 WHiP despite his low strikeout rates. A.J. Cole and Rafael Dolis have been revelations in the bullpen, while the Blue Jays have received impressive performances from a host of unheralded arms.

However, if Giles is back to form when he returns, it will not be long before he takes over the ninth inning. He was one of the more dominant relievers in the league last year, posting a 1.87 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP in his 53 innings, notching 23 saves while striking out 83 batters.

If nothing else, Giles provides the Blue Jays with another veteran arm for the playoff push. He also has postseason experience as the Astros closer in 2017 and can help guide a younger team through the rigors of the stretch run.

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The Toronto Blue Jays may be getting some bullpen help soon as Ken Giles is closing in on a return. He would certainly be a help for what promises to be an interesting stretch run.

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