Houston Astros willing to accept ramifications from Osuna trade

The Houston Astros needed an additional boost in their bullpen. They dealt for reliever Roberto Osuna, currently suspended for an alleged domestic violence case. Yet, it seems Houston is providing the closer to turn his career around.

Astros willing to accept ramifications with Osuna trade

The Houston Astros made a risky move Monday, acquiring Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna. And the Houston fan base seemed legitimately puzzled – with good reason.

It was bound to happen. After the MLB pegged Osuna with a 75-game suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence policy, Toronto’s front office decided he wouldn’t pitch again for the club.

Yet, other teams across the league weighed his potential impact versus the off-field misconduct. Apparently, the Astros were among those teams, those that was unknown to most, if not all, baseball analysts.

While these situations place players in an “innocent until proven guilty” light, the prolonged suspension suggests there is strong evidence that something unethical occurred. Whether Osuna will be deemed guilty and punished for his actions is to be determined.

Nevertheless, the promising pitcher is eligible to return Aug. 5, and he can also participate in the postseason. The latter detail alone could be what makes Osuna valuable to the Astros.

Ken Giles, who now plays for the Blue Jays, had issues in the later innings. Meanwhile, Hector Rondon closed down several games successfully, though he still blew almost a handful of saves.

Houston manager A.J. Hinch noted that the move clearly makes sense from a baseball standpoint. And it’s true, considering Osuna has more than 100 career saves across four seasons.

But the skipper also told Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart he would have to converse with his team. General manager Jeff Luhnow mentioned Houston’s zero-tolerance policy in the past, which is of course still relevant.

It is unknown how Osuna’s new teammates will react. When former Astros prospect Danry Vasquez committed the same acts of aggression, the organization quickly released him.

When footage from that incident surfaced across social media and the web, players responded with dismay. Houston pitcher Justin Verlander essentially said he was a disgrace – in much more vulgar words.

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Fellow Astros pitcher Lance McCullers used the moment to shed light on domestic violence in general. Of course, he wasn’t happy to see that within the organization, either.

Reporters asked Verlander to comment on Osuna. And considering he doesn’t know the facts behind the alleged crime, he stood by what he said in the past.

Surely, most players will agree.

Nevertheless, Houston made the risk. While one person likely won’t make the clubhouse toxic, unease may settle in. But the front office believes it will be a minor obstacle, if that.

On the other hand, fans will probably react differently. Astros fans responded to the move shortly after news regarding it hit the internet.

Many were puzzled, while several were unhappy. If Houston claims its second straight World Series title, Osuna will have some type of role. He could even clinch the championship with a late-inning save or win.

It would be a bittersweet moment.

Are Houston fans willing to provide Osuna with a second chance if it means gaining another title? Whether they are or not, the organization is.