At least one player form the 2017 Houston Astros team is willing to trash his World Series ring.
Ken Giles, who now plays for the Toronto Blue Jays, was Houston’s closer that season but claims he had no idea what was going on — a plausible defense, considering he spent most of his time in the bullpen away from the dugout — but he is still devastated by the actions of his teammates and ready to face the consequences.
“It crushed me to learn about the stuff that went on when I was there,” he told the Toronto Sun. “I had no idea. I had no clue whatsoever. I was blindsided by the commissioner’s report. Up unitl then, I honestly didn’t believe it. Just crazy.”
The sign-stealing scandal resulted in a one-year suspension for manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, both of whom were subsequently fired by the organization. The players avoided any discipline by being granted immunity, although MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has defended his decision not to strip the Astros of their World Series title.
Giles, who allowed five earned runs in 1.2 innings for the Astros during the World Series, said he is willing to give back is ring if that is what is asked of him.
“Whatever they ask, I would oblige,” he said. “Because what was going on at the time, was not OK. It just hurts. If they want [the ring] back, I’ll be true to whatever needs to be done.”
