Astros Acquiring Roberto Osuna From Blue Jays For Ken Giles
The Houston Astros bolstered their bullpen on Monday by acquiring closer Roberto Osuna from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for former closer Ken Giles and minor league pitchers Hector Perez and David Paulino, the teams announced.
The deal was first reported by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
An All-Star in 2017, Osuna has racked up 104 saves in four MLB seasons. The 23-year-old right hander saved 39 games last season and compiled a 3.38 ERA.
Osuna has missed much of 2018 after getting suspended 75 games (retroactive to May 8) by the MLB for violating the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assualt and Child Abuse policy. Players suspended under that policy are still eligible to play in the postseason. Osuna is eligible to return to the mound on Aug. 5.
After making the deal for Osuna, Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow released a statement explaining the vetting process the team went through before making the trade, and how the organization feels its new righty has learned from the situation.
"We are excited to welcome Roberto Osuna to our team. The due diligence by our front office was unprecedented. We are confident that Osuna is remorseful, has willfully complied with all consequences related to his past behavior, has proactively engaged in counseling, and will fully comply with our zero tolerance policy related to abuse of any kind. Roberto has some great examples of character in our existing clubhouse that we believe will help him as he and his family establish a fresh start and as he continues with the Houston Astros. We look forward to Osuna's contributions as we head into the back half of the season."
Osuna, who has nine saves and 15 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in 2018, released a statement via the Astros, as well.
"I am excited to join the Houston Astros and move forward with a fresh start to my career. The positive character of my new teammates is a big reason for their success and I look forward to bringing a positive contribution to this great group of guys as we work towards many more winning seasons. I thank Jeff Luhnow and the entire Astros organization for believing in me—I will not let them down."
Giles has 12 saves on the season.
