It has been some time since Roberto Osuna has been on a major league mound. The one time Houston Astros closer was shut down after four appearances in 2020 due to elbow issues that were expected to require Tommy John surgery. Instead, he opted for the rest and rehab route as he hoped to avoid going under the knife.
That plan may have worked out for the best. According to reports, Osuna looks like himself once again as he pitches for the Charros de Jalisco in the Caribbean Series. His fastball has reached triple digits and he has been arguably the best pitcher in the series.
Houston Astros pitcher Roberto Osuna back to form
There was a time when Osuna was one of the best closers in the game. The 2017 All Star had notched at least 20 saves in each of his first five seasons and appeared on his way to the type of career that would put him atop the saves leaderboard and could end up in the Hall of Fame.
But there were other issues aside from his elbow injury. Osuna served a 75 game suspension for violating the league’s domestic abuse policy in 2018 and was traded to the Astros the day before his ban was due to end. Between the public relations hit and his elbow issues, it was understandable that he did not receive any major league interest in 2021.
That left Osuna to head to Mexico last year in an attempt to resurrect his career He pitched well for the Diablos Rojos de Mexico, notching 12 saves as he posted a 1.09 ERA and a 0.811 WHiP in his 24.2 innings, striking out 27 batters with just three walks. His extraordinary command was still there, even as he worked his way back.
That production last season and his strong showing in the Caribbean Series do not necessarily mean anything. It is likely remote that Osuna gets a major league opportunity this year. However, he could be a bargain, especially as every team in the game is looking for help in their bullpen.
Former Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna appears to be back to form. He could be a bargain for a team willing to take the potential PR hit.