Call to the pen
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Houston Astros closer debate: Hector Rondon vs. Roberto Osuna

By Kyle Cardoza

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 03: Hector Rondon #30 is congratulated by Martin Maldonado #15 of the Houston Astros after earning his 11th save of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 03: Hector Rondon #30 is congratulated by Martin Maldonado #15 of the Houston Astros after earning his 11th save of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – JULY 30: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros is taken out of the game against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning by Astros manager A.J. Hinch at Safeco Field on July 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

When the Houston Astros acquired Roberto Osuna last month, it created a quandary for manager A.J. Hinch. Should he continue to rely on Hector Rondon for saves, or should his shift his confidence to the top-tier closer?

Houston Astros fans surely didn’t expect this. After claiming the franchise’s first World Series, Houston seemed set with Ken Giles as the primary ninth-inning fireman.

But as this season progressed, manager A.J. Hinch lost all confidence in the flamethrower, resulting in a demotion and trade to Toronto. Yet, it doesn’t mean the Astros are searching for a closer.

Technically, they have two solid options for the later innings. That’s if fans don’t count the rest of the team’s dependable relievers. And even some starting pitchers have the clutch ability to obtain crucial outs.

Nevertheless, Hector Rondon swiped the closing job from Giles before his departure. The former Cubs pitcher was arguably one of the best relief pick-ups in the league.

But Houston’s front office created a stir when it acquired Roberto Osuna in the Giles trade. Prior to this season, fans would see Osuna as a top-tier closer with valuable experience despite his youth.

Now most baseball fans see Osuna in a different light due to domestic violence allegations. That may never change, whether he is found guilty or acquitted.

Nevertheless, the Astros took the risk because Osuna was a bargain. And while Houston didn’t need an immaculate arm to improve the bullpen considerably, it obtained one.

Rondon may have felt déjà vu once he heard the news broke. It’s a similar situation to the one he was in during the 2016 season, when Chicago traded for Aroldis Chapman, transitioning Rondon out of his closing role.

That hasn’t happened. And it may not happen.

Several questions deserve attention when comparing Osuna and Rondon. Essentially, Hinch’s actions do not warrant any worries for Rondon believers.

Does that mean Rondon is a currently better option than Osuna for the Astros?

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