Despite what some would call a slow start for Toronto, the Blue Jays recently showed that they can compete with the best the AL East can offer in a tough home series against Boston. Although the bull pen may have lost one in extra innings, it seems that the return of Aaron Loup and the emergence of Joe Biagini has been a welcomed boost to this part of the team. The one pitcher who has been consistently reliable since April in this group is closer Roberto Osuna.
He was signed by Toronto on August 30, 2011, and quickly rose through the minor league ranks. He only pitched in 128.2 minor league innings before making his major league debut last season. He appeared in just forty-three games in his minor league career but his 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio opened many eyes. In that short span he managed to record 144 K’s while only walking 46. What may be shocking for Jays’ fans is to see him in the closer role as he made twenty-nine starts in the minors. With the young duo of Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez already rotation members it would have been unwise and risky for Toronto to have three ‘rookies’ in their starting rotation.
He has converted to the closer role extremely well and Toronto may just have their closer for the next decade. Osuna was the first player born in 1995 to play in the MLB and is the youngest pitcher to ever appear for the Jays. At 21 years old, we have only seen a brief glimpse into how good this kid may be. He converted on 20/23 save opportunities in his rookie season and has carried over that success to this season converting on 11/12.
In his brief MLB career, Osuna has already registered 101 strikeouts over a mere 92.2 innings; anytime a franchise can have a young pitcher average a strikeout per inning, they have found a gem. This season is showing that the sophomore struggles have not been an issue with Osuna. He has a 1.23 ERA over 23.0 IP with 26 K’s.
Osuna’s journey to the MLB was not an easy one. I could put the challenges and struggles he had and overcame in words, but I feel it is better appreciated through watching the documentary Sportsnet made earlier this season. I highly recommend checking it out. Osuna truly is a rare talent that wants to prove his worth for the team and continue to get better.
You can follow Roberto on Twitter @RobertoOsuna1 along with myself @GHam614. Next will I will highlight some Canadian content on baseball’s Canadian team, RF Michael Saunders.
Thank you again for reading this week’s Blue Jays player profile and for all sports fans enjoy the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals.
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