Giles surprised Astros picked Gregerson over him as closer

NEW YORK (AP) Ken Giles was surprised Houston manager A.J. Hinch picked Luke Gregerson over him to be the Astros closer.

''Whatever A.J. wants, that's what I'm going to do,'' Giles said Tuesday before Houston's opener at the New York Yankees. ''It's his decision, so I need to follow it. It's all for the team, not just me. It's just a title, so I'm just going to do what I do best and bring my talents to help this team win.''

A 25-year-old right-hander, Giles was 6-3 with a 1.80 ERA in 69 games for the Phillies in 2015 and spent the final two months of the season as the closer, converting 15 of 17 save opportunities. He was traded to the Astros during the offseason.

Gregerson, a 31-year-old right-hander, went 7-3 with a 3.10 ERA and converted 31 of 36 save chances last season in this first year in Houston.

Hinch announced his decision Monday. Giles had a 6.75 ERA in nine spring training appearances, allowing 12 hits in 9 1/3 innings.

''Now I have to be on my toes throughout the entire game,'' Giles said. ''Just got to prepare differently, so I just need to go out there and be ready to go whenever.''