Record-setter cherishes role
Closer Osuna becomes youngest in history to post 30-save season
When Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna suffered just his third blown save of the year Aug. 19 in Cleveland, he was immediately approached by his bullpen mates Jason Grilli and Joaquin Benoit — both 18 years Osuna’s senior.
“They talked to me and said, ‘Hey, don’t worry. Just keep doing your thing,’” said Osuna. “When you hear those things from those guys — they’ve been in the big leagues for a long time — that gives you extra confidence.”
Osuna took the advice to heart and is putting together a record season. On Aug. 17, he earned his 27th save, setting an MLB record for most saves before a player’s 22 birthday. And then in Sunday’s comeback win in Tampa Bay, Osuna picked up his 30th save of the season, becoming the youngest pitcher in MLB history to record at least 30 saves in a single season. (The previous youngest was Neftali Feliz, who was 22 when he saved his 30th in 2010). Instead of Grilli and Benoit talking to him after Sunday’s game, it was his mom who called from Mexico.
“My mom is so happy that I’m going to be in the books forever. It really means a lot,” said Osuna, who is learning to leave bad performances behind.
Osuna loves being the Jays closer but would also start if the team ever needed him in that role. “Like I said, I play for the team. If the team needs me as a starter I’m going to be there to help them,” he said.
GOING FOR BROKE
Russell Martin’s eighth-inning, three-run home run to help sink Tampa on Sunday demonstrated manager John Gibbons’ philosophy when it comes to hitters going after 3-0 pitches. More than some managers, Gibbons allows his veteran hitters to swing away.
“We give, not all of them, but most of our guys, green lights a lot of times 3-0,” said Gibbons. “Most of the guys have good enough discipline, they’re not going to chase outside. If it’s a ball they’re going to take their walk.”