The Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays swapped troubled closers a day ahead of the deadline.
While the Astros are working to build up their bullpen, they’ve shown no immediate need to get better in the final innings. Going along with this lack of emphasis on immediacy in return for their bullpen, the Astros acquired a reliever that likely won’t be available for a while.
Roberto Osuna was one of the highest-regarded young relievers when the season began, after working through mental health difficulties that caused him to take some time away from the game in mid-2017. His performance was nothing short of elite, even with the time away, posting a 3.38 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 83/9 K/BB over 64 innings.
Over his career, Osuna has put together impressive statistics, pitching in 221 games, tossing 223 innings, with a 2.87 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 253/40 K/BB ratio with 104 saves.
He’s been tremendous in his postseason appearances. He’s pitched in 14 games with 17 2/3 innings, posting a 1.04 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, and a 16/1 K/BB ratio.
MLB Trade Rumors has reported that the Blue Jays will be receiving erstwhile Astros closer Ken Giles, who was demoted to AAA, along with young righties Hector Perez and David Paulino.
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Giles has been an every other season performer, with an elite year in 2015 with Philadelphia, a mediocre season in 2016, then an elite season in 2017 with 34 saves and a 2.30 ERA over 62 2/3 innings, striking out 83 hitters. He was demoted to AAA in mid-July, and he’s posted an 8.44 ERA in his 6 appearances since his demotion.
Hector Perez was signed out of the Dominican older than most prospects, making his debut in his age-19 season. He’s worked his way up the system to AA Corpus Christi, and he’s incredibly talented, but may be best served in a relief role. He’s struck out 101 in 89 1/3 innings this year between high-A and AA this year.
David Paulino has been plagued with injury issues and a PED suspension the last two seasons, pitching just 70 innings total over the last two years. He has a dynamic pitch mix when healthy, but he would be best served in the bullpen. The Blue Jays can give him an opportunity to have a different environment and possibly work in the bullpen.
Of course, with multiple young players going through their youthful Twitter comments drug out into the open ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, the defending World Series champion Houston Astros picking up a player who may not be able to pitch due to his domestic violence issues. He’s currently suspended until August 5th and in legal limbo with charges still pending.