Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said today that suspended reliever Roberto Osuna will return to being the team’s closer when he is activated from his suspension, as Shi Davidi of Sporsnet.ca reports. Osuna is serving a 75-game suspension for a violation of the MLB-MLBPA Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Dealing with Osuna’s situation was never going to be easy for the Toronto organization. The domestic assault charges against Osuna — one of the game’s best young relief pitchers — are extremely serious.
While the imposition of a lengthy ban did give the team an understanding as to when the young pitcher will be able to play, at least in the eyes of Major League Baseball, there’s still ample uncertainty remaining. Osuna is still facing a criminal trial, after all. In the event of a conviction, he could miss further time (and public scrutiny). And any criminal penalties could make it difficult for him to travel with the team. The factual circumstances surrounding his arrest also still remain largely unknown. Public opinion on the topic may yet depend upon the course of the criminal matter and what facts ultimately emerge.
Still, Atkins declared today that Osuna “is our closer.” He explained:
“We’re running a baseball team and our goal is to win championships. Roberto could potentially be very much a part of that. The word that comes to mind for me when you talk about that is empathy. That’s not just for Roberto, that’s for everyone involved, that’s where we’re going to spend our time and energy, on being empathetic and trying to understand. We don’t have a background in investigations.”
Readers can reach their own conclusions as to the merits of that stance given what has been reported to this point. From a purely on-field perspective, though, it seems Osuna will step back into his prominent role at the back of the Blue Jays’ bullpen if and when he’s able. The comments surely give no indication that the organization will look to trade Osuna before the July 31st trade deadline, as has been speculated elsewhere. He’s eligible to return to play in the majors in early August.
Atkins also addressed his organization’s general stance with the trade deadline approaching, as Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith tweeted. With Steve Pearce going out the door last night, it’s already obvious that the Jays’ rental pieces are available. That means that a variety of relievers could be moved, along with veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson and starters such as J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada.
But Atkins made clear, too, that the team will at least be open to the possibility of dealing controllable assets as well. If rival organizations wish to pry loose a player under contract into the future, though, the Jays will ask them “to frame the value for us and do the work on their end.” It seems, then, that the Toronto front office won’t be shopping players such as Justin Smoak, Yangervis Solarte, and Kevin Pillar so much as it will be amenable to considering offers for them.
While much of the focus will be on the July trade period, matters of significance lurk in August. Osuna’s status is likely to be a highly visible topic, with implications that go well beyond the game itself. And from a pure baseball perspective, a fascinating situation could be developing with regard to Josh Donaldson, who could be a highly important trade asset during the revocable waiver trade period — if he’s able to get back to health by that point, which isn’t yet certain given his recent setback.
“The comments surely give no indication that the organization will look to trade Osuna before the July 31st trade deadline . . . “
Question: Would Osuna be eligible for postseason play despite his suspension? If the answer is “no” that’d be an additional disincentive to trade the player; only playoff contenders would trade for him and all of them would be expecting postseason help as part of the package. Be a kinda odd state of affairs if nonviolent PED offenders are banned from the postseason as part of their suspension but an actual thug gets the green light. YMMV.
I believe he would be eligible for the postseason. Yes this is dumb
Granted, it was a couple of years ago, but look no further than the Aroldis Chapman suspension.
“ . . . but look no further than the Aroldis Chapman suspension.”
Yes, I remember. But iirc MLB changed its rules in response to Chapman and Melky*. Not sure what the current rule is, which is why I asked Jeff—or anyone else tuning in—for help.
*I know Melky got busted for PEDs not domestic violence. Seems the rules were changed for both at around the same time.
I see you have already found him guilty
We’ve entered an age where due process has been cast away, and just the hint of an allegation and you’re damned for life.
We’ve also entered an age where idiots online can question facts and keep on doing that extremely harmful thing despite outing themselves as idiots.
“I see you have already found him guilty”
No, but MLB has. At least he was found guilty enough to warrant a suspension. I asked about one implication—the postseason—of said suspension. Problem?
Your categorization & assumption of Osuna as a “thug” is ridiculous & reaching beyond the facts that are currently available.
If you choose to make an ass out of yourself; then assume away. No facts or details have been released to date, so you have no idea what transpired.
The term thug is reserved for the likes of Cueto, who kicks a fellow player in the head wirh his cleats. THAT’S a thug. FACT.
Roberto Osuna
Chris Bosio
Donaldson should have been traded in spring training with Vlad coming, he has no value now. Although I think they have some good pieces, a core of vlad jr, bichette with stroman, Sanchez is a good core. Osuna is an elite closer as well. I say trade everyone but the core and try to get some pitching on the farm. If things go right I think they can be competitive soon but the division is tough
Easy to say that with the benefit of hindsight.
@ supersinker.
It’s also easy to say without the benefit for hindsight. This was a Jays team that would be lucky to scratch 83 wins.
The RP market last off-season was crazy hot. If the FO made Osuna available, he would’ve garnered significant trade interest.
go_jays_go is right. Certainly Osuna had command given his age and ability.
They need to trade him or release him outright. If Rogers Corp (the Jays Owners) recently fired Greg Zaun (a Jays Broadcaster) for having inappropriate behaviour to women (with no criminal charges), it seems more than reasonable for Osuna to be removed from the organization for physically abusing one. You can’t have a double standard for your million dollars players Rogers.
Well Said Malcolm. Rogers “family” plan is kinda of enough evidence to say that Osuna will be gone eventually somewhere else not named Toronto Blue Jays.
Exactly right, Osuna should have been released and Atkins should be fired for not protecting the ethics and morals of the game.
I wouldn’t release him…. there’s value for him yet. But make no mistake — he won’t be a blue Jay next season… atkins has to say what he said if he wants any form of leverage in trade talks for osuna. Expect him to be showcased in the minors leading upto the deadline and possibly moved as early as deadline day.
Malcolm – In theory you are 100% correct. Problem is, Zaun was simply used as an “example” for the rest of the company. They took out one of the biggest names while simultaneously avoiding a ripple effect with their broadcast.
Zaun did not toe the company line. Rogers does not tolerate any negative comments about anyone on the Jays, whether it was Wilner challenging Cito Gaston’s managing decisions, Jerry Howarth criticizing Jose Reyes or Buck Martinez swiftly pointing out bad catching a few years back. Because Zaun didn’t protect the Rogers brand he became expendable.
Jays will try to deal Osuna, and they need Osuna to perform in-order to get any return. But if Osuna stays clean and decides to “toe the line”, they will keep him around for the time being.
One wishes that Atkins would emphasize empathy and support for the victim. I hope that Osuna gets help, but the victim of the violence should be the focus of our concern.
Osuna is likely to be loudly booed if he takes the field at the Skydome this year. Atkins cannot allow this to happen.
You have to understand…. early on in the season, the stadium was full of Osuna jerseys. Now? They’re all gone. The stores have stopped selling Osuna jerseys. The in-game video packages have been edited to exclude him where he was previously prominently featured. Pretty much everybody who stood by Osuna and his mental health issues last year, have turned his back on him.
Yes. I noticed someone trying to sell a used Osuna jersery online for a significant discount.
His issues are not a surprise to the Jays or others. He was asked not to live in Mexico in the offseason due to the stories. He refused.
Whether this is caused by mental illness, upbringing, or bad character, it doesn’t matter. Osuna cannot be in a Jays uniform again if the Jays mgmt and Rogers are in tune with reality..
Ya it’s likely he pitches in as many road games as possible and is traded this off season
there will be few people there to boo him…and without being judgemental, can we not just allow someone to try to make amends and not put impediments in the way?…lets allow him to be penitent and remorseful, if that is the case and judge him on that? Life is hard guys and gals, for lots of people.
You act as if abusers are one-offs and “just made a mistake”. No. While true they are mentally ill people, they are extremely likely to repeat offend.
acting?…hmmm! yes, developmentally handicapped are everywhere.. And don’t put words in my mouth you shallow, insecure subhuman…likely to re-offend doesn’t mean will re-offend…I believe in the redemptive power of our lord and saviour and failing that good ‘ol modern psychoanalysis and chemical modification….you should try it.
Oh yes, belief in the magical man in the sky…. and you’re calling others developmentally handicapped… lol
Sparkle….does Osuna truly believe in the lord and savior? If he’s just going through the motions when he points to the sky and kisses his cross, he won’t be redeemed.
JaysForDays people have overcome substance abuse, verbal abuse, addictions and other life issues by turning their life to the lord.
You might think that’s ridiculous, Sparkle doesn’t. Maybe his walk is not yours, how do you question someone when you haven’t been in their shoes?
what I believe in or don’t believe in has nothing to do with the path Roberto Osuna will take you mouth-breather…and since you’re obviously a non-believer the latter plan of action would be suitable for you to embark upon…please don’t waste a minute signing up at your local mental health clinic because you obviously need the help….
If Donaldson does not heal this season, they could offer him a QO and let him rebuild his value next year to either flip him at the deadline, thus allowing him to hit the open market with improved value. I’d also bet that the QO would be worth more than a one year deal he’d get coming off of an injury riddled year. Maybe I’m wrong, however.
I wouldn’t give an unhealthy Donaldson 1 year / 18mil. I’d offer him less for one year to rebuild value. Look at how Bautista played out on his QO
I would. It’s a pay cut and they’ll need to sell merch. If JD gets healthy and gets hot he will be dealt for much more than what he’d get right now. If he’s not healthy, so what? Jays are looking to finish 4th or 5th next year anyway.
Too easy to try to buy a championship today. Bring back the 06/15 deadline. i realize this is not a popular view but a team should be built for the long haul and these late deals like Verlander last year, Chapman in 2016 and many others have the potential to alter the dynamics too much when it’s too late to counter. Many trades were made in June and there was still two + months to work out a waiver trade.
Much easier to buy a championship 2 decades ago.
Marlins have 2 rings from that method
2nd championship wasn’t bought…
Silly Jeff, public opinion had absolutely nothing to do with facts
“we don’t have a background in investigations”….might that explain some of their signings?
Atkins should be fired for this inherently stupid stance
“One wishes that Atkins would emphasize empathy and support for the victim. I hope that Osuna gets help, but the victim of the violence should be the focus of our concern”
Exactly. Fire atkins now for his obvious lack of morality not to mention the litany of stupid basbeall decisions over the past 2 years..
Some guys aren’t equipped to be GM. Atkins is one guy. May know about young talent but handling day to day baseball decisions should be left to grown men.
Did anyone think for a minute, that maybe, just maybe, that Atkins is trying to preserve some leverage for trading the player. If he gives the impression that Osuna will get another chance and that he will be the closer, then when teams call he doesn’t have to give such a discount to trade him.
To follow that reasoning, that would mean Atkins is putting ahead the perceived value [money, prospect capital, leverage] ahead of the value of a human being victim. He is putting money/business ahead of love, respect, integrity etc.
If that is the case want no part of an executive that values life that way or a team that employs him.
BJfan – Yes. That part is obvious. The angst for Atkins’ decision goes beyond that and the people here criticizing Atkins for this decision have good reason to come down on him.