Phillies optimistic Ken Giles can avoid DL

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CLEARWATER, Fla. — A day after Ken Giles was forced from a game because of a stiffness in his back, Phillies officials expressed confidence that the hard-throwing reliever would be able to avoid a season-opening trip to the disabled list.

“I don’t think it’s going to necessitate going on the DL, but he’s day-to-day and we’ll probably know more in the next 48 hours,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Wednesday.

According to Amaro, Giles has a mild mid-back strain. The pitcher was feeling better and able to do exercises on Wednesday.

Amaro said he would want to see Giles throw from a mound, possibly in a game, before making a determination on whether to include him on the opening day roster.

“We won’t risk it if we think it’s a risk,” Amaro said.

Amaro said Giles’ back issue was not as severe as the one that sidelined Cody Asche four days recently.

After leaving Tuesday’s game, Giles expressed confidence that he could avoid the disabled list. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. The next few days will tell.

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