Report: Blue Jays weren't going to let Osuna pitch again in MLB

The Toronto Blue Jays traded Roberto Osuna on Monday in a four-player deal that netted them the hard-throwing Ken Giles and two prospects from the Houston Astros, ending the tenure of the suspended star closer north of the border.

However, Osuna was apparently never going to pitch for the Blue Jays at the MLB level again, even if the team hadn't dealt him, a source told MLB.com's Jon Morosi.

Toronto's ownership and management made the decision earlier this season and decided to find the best trade they could for Osuna, which ended up being the one Houston offered, according to Morosi.

"There were a couple of other teams that were interested, and in on Roberto, and it came down to Houston obviously being the most interested, or at least lining up the best with us in terms of return," Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said after the trade, according to MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm.

"This was the one (deal) that made sense from a baseball perspective," Atkins added, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. "Extremely excited about Giles, Perez, and Paulino joining the organization. I think for many reasons this deal made sense and it starts with the talent we're acquiring."

The 23-year-old Osuna is considered one of the best closers in the game, but was arrested and charged with assault in May. He was suspended 75 games by Major League Baseball for violating the domestic violence policy.

He's eligible to return to action Aug. 5, and will be permitted to participate in the postseason for the AL West-leading Astros.