Hinch names Giles as Astros’ new closer

HOUSTON — Ken Giles will be the new Astros closer, manager A.J. Hinch announced on Tuesday afternoon.

“As always, these roles in the ‘pen evolve over time, and the ebbs and flows of the season sometimes create change,” Hinch said. “And I’ll have Ken Giles start to pitch the ninth inning.”

Giles, who hasn’t allowed a run since June 18, has been bamboozling opponents recently. He’s notched two or more strikeouts in nine of his last 10 setup appearances and held opposing batters to a .130 batting average in his last 14 games.

“Ken is as confident as he’s been as an Astro,” Hinch said.

In need of a power arm in the bullpen, the Astros sent five players to the Phillies last December to get Giles, who was Houston’s biggest offseason acquisition.

“It’s a comfort thing,” Giles said. “New team, new environment. I just had to settle in a little bit. Sometimes when you’re uncomfortable, you try to do too much, and I think that’s what happened to me.”

Giles was originally the front-runner for the closer job, but struggles in the spring led to the job going to Luke Gregerson and, eventually, …

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