Skip to content

Poll: Is it time for the Blue Jays to remove Osuna as closer?

Dan Hamilton / Reuters

During the 2015 and '16 campaigns, the Toronto Blue Jays were among the worst teams in the American League at closing out games, blowing 44 saves across both seasons. When the game's on the line this season, things have been even worse.

On Thursday, with a 4-2 lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the first game of a doubleheader, closer Roberto Osuna - one of Toronto's bright late-inning lights over the past two years - allowed a two-run homer to Randal Grichuk. That marked his third blown save in four chances, and the Cardinals went on to take the game 8-4 in extra innings thanks to a Matt Carpenter walk-off grand slam.

Osuna hasn't exactly struggled since coming back from an early-season stint on the disabled list with a cervical spasm: He's struck out five hitters in five innings without allowing a walk. He hasn't been sharp either, though, allowing eight hits (nine overall) while failing to shut the door for his club - which is a closer's job.

With Osuna failing to get the job done in the ninth, the Blue Jays may consider giving the closer role to one of Jason Grilli, Joe Smith, or Joe Biagini instead.

PITCHER IP ER H BB SO
Jason Grilli 8.1 5 7 5 9
Joe Smith 10.2 3 9 1 14
Joe Biagini 15 4 11 3 10

Should the Blue Jays remove Osuna as closer and hope to find success with one of their other options? Or should they stick with the youngster, who has saved 57 games for them during his short but successful career as the Blue Jays' finisher?

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox