Free-agent relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (elbow) is holding a showcase for interested teams on Friday, March 12, at Tetelo Vargas Stadium in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. The 26-year-old right-hander threw just 4 1/3 innings with the Astros in 2020 due to an elbow injury, but he was able to avoid Tommy John surgery and will be looking to prove that he's healthy enough to pitch in 2021. When healthy, Osuna has been a very solid late-inning reliever, posting a 2.74 ERA in his six seasons in the major leagues. In his last full season for Houston in 2019, Osuna had a 2.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 73 strikeouts, 12 walks and a career-high 38 saves in 65 innings over 66 relief appearances. He has 155 career saves and could provide some valuable late-inning experience for a team with bullpen needs if he can stay on the field.
The Houston Astros placed relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (elbow) on outright waivers on Thursday. Osuna pitched in only four games for the team in 2020 before he was shut down with elbow soreness at the start of August. The right-hander's initial diagnoses recommended Tommy John surgery, but it was later changed to a forearm strain that required a four-week rest period. Osuna led the American League with 38 saves and had a 2.63 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 66 outings in 2019. He would have been a non-tender candidate considering his elbow injury and third-year arbitration status. The 25-year-old should be able to latch on with another organization, but it remains to be seen if he'll fall into another high-leverage role.
Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna (elbow) received an initial diagnosis to undergo Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow on Tuesday. The team is seeking a second opinion, but it will seemingly put an end to his 2020 season regardless. If Osuna were to undergo the procedure, he would likely miss all of the 2021 season as well, which would be a huge blow to the team's bullpen. Expect Ryan Pressly to take over save opportunities for the remainder of this season.
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker spoke about closer Roberto Osuna (elbow) to a radio host on Tuesday, and his words weren't encouraging. Baker stated that he "doesn't look real good, actually. He went and had an MRI yesterday. He's in our prayers and in our thoughts. The reality is it's probably not really good news." Osuna left Saturday's game early with elbow soreness, and with this update from Baker, he could miss most or all of the shortened 2020 season. Ryan Pressly remains the top option to close games for the Astros, although he's dealt with minor elbow and finger issues already this season.
Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna (elbow) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday with right elbow soreness. Osuna was pulled from Saturday's game during a save situation and the team will now be without his services for the near future. It's another injury to a pitching staff that has been decimated by them in the beginning of 2020. Osuna has picked up three saves so far in 3.1 innings pitched with one run allowed. Reliever Ryan Pressly, who has a cut on his hand, is next in line for saves, though he is expected to be able to play through it.
Roberto Osuna Departs With Injury, Astros Bullpen Thin
Houston Astros right-handed closer Roberto Osuna was lifted during a save opportunity Saturday against the Angels, marking yet another arm that appears to be injured for a pitching staff that has been dismantled by injuries in the early part of 2020. Entering the day, only Osuna and right-hander Ryan Pressly were available in relief that had any considerable big league experience. Rookie Cy Sneed was tabbed in an attempt to earn his first Major League save, right after rookie right-hander Andre Scrubb claimed his first save Friday. Whether manager Dusty Baker would tab one specific arm with the closers role should Osunas ailment warrant an absence remains to be seen, but Sneed and Scrubb appear to be the leading candidates in the short term.
Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna allowed one hit but pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday against the Mariners. It was the debut for the Astros closer in 2020 after reports indicated that Osuna was behind the other pitchers, in terms of readiness, for the 60-game season. Fantasy owners can now rest easy with Osuna back and pitching the ninth inning of games. The right-hander locked down 38 games last season while posting an impressive 2.63 ERA. Owners that scooped up Jesse James as a handcuff could choose to hold tight for a few days or move on to other options moving forward.
Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna is still ramping up and hasn't thrown off a mound at the team's summer camp. The right-handed reliever is throwing long toss from 200-plus feet, but manager Dusty Baker isn't sure when Osuna will get on a mound. However, pitching coach Brent Strom still thinks that Osuna will be ready to serve as the closer by Opening Day next Friday. Fantasy owners should be skeptical that Osuna will be ready, and with Ryan Pressly dealing with a blister, Houston's back end of the bullpen might be in flux to open the year. Bryan Abreu and Joe Smith could be options for the ninth inning if Osuna and Pressly aren't ready. Osuna's price as a top-five fantasy closer might fall a bit in the next week.
Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna earned his 34th save of the season as the Astros beat the Rangers 4-1 on Tuesday. Osuna is now tied for fourth across baseball in saves and has rebounded nicely in September after a rocky month of August. The hurler posted a 5.00 ERA in August and had allowed 10 runs over a 19 2/3-inning stretch of baseball. But Osuna has not allowed a run over his last five appearances and will carry a 1.42 ERA in September into his next appearance. The Astros closer is rounding into shape just in time for the playoffs.
Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his 28th save of the season against the Tigers on Monday. Osuna allowed one hit but was able to convert on his fourth save of the month. Osuna has recently hit his first rough patch of the season, posting a 5.06 ERA over his last 15 appearances with two blown saves in that span. Osuna is still having an elite season and will take a 2.86 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP and a .200 opponents batting average into his next appearance.
