Report: Giles received cortisone shot, still drawing trade interest

The Toronto Blue Jays were unable to use Ken Giles in Monday's win over the Kansas City Royals due to an elbow injury, but that hasn't stopped teams from contacting them about the availability of their closer, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Giles reportedly visited Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on Tuesday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. While an MRI indicated no structural damage, the reliever did receive a cortisone shot and will not pitch again before the deadline.

Giles has been dealing with nerve inflammation in his pitching elbow since the beginning of July, and returned from a stint on the injured list on July 17. Since then, the closer has made four appearances, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five over four innings of work. He last pitched on Saturday.

Injury notwithstanding, the 28-year-old is having a phenomenal year, posting a 1.54 ERA and 1.60 FIP over 35 games while recording 14 saves. Only Kirby Yates, Liam Hendriks, Josh Hader, and Felipe Vazquez have been worth more this year by FanGraphs WAR. Giles is under team control through the 2020 season.

Multiple contenders have been tied to the relief market as the July 31 deadline nears, including the division-rival Boston Red Sox as well as the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies.