CLEARWATER, Fla. — Two days after leaving a game with tightness in his back, Phillies reliever Ken Giles expressed confidence that he will be able to avoid a season-opening trip to the disabled list.
The Phillies open the season Monday.
“My goal is to be ready for opening day,” Giles said Thursday morning, the Phillies' last day in Florida. “The doctor said it’s nothing I should be worried about.”
Giles said there was “still a little stiffness there, but it doesn’t bother me or anything like that. I played long toss (Wednesday) and it did just fine.”
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. also expressed confidence that Giles would not need to go on the DL, but added that the pitcher will continue to be evaluated.
The Phillies are likely to set their opening day roster on Saturday.