Suspended Osuna sent to Astros in closer swap
Before Roberto Osuna steps onto the mound as Houston’s new closer, the Astros want him to stand in the clubhouse and explain himself.
Swapping a closer with on-field problems for one with off-field troubles, the defending World Series champion Astros traded Ken Giles to the Toronto Blue Jays along with a pair of pitching prospects for Osuna on Monday.
The 23-year-old Osuna is eligible to pitch in the big leagues starting Sunday after a 75-game suspension under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. He has made six scoreless one-inning appearances in the minors since July 14, the last three at Triple-A.
“It’s a tough situation. I think the thing for us to remember here is that the details haven’t come to light,” Houston pitcher Justin Verlander said. “We don’t know the whole story. Obviously, I’ve said some pretty inflammatory things about stuff like this in the past, and I stand by my words.
“But I think with an ongoing case as is this one, just see what happens. But it will be interesting. I think he plans to talk to us when he gets here and we’ll go from there and see what happens.”
Osuna is to pitch in another minor league game this week before joining the champions on Sunday.
Houston also sent right-handers David Paulino and Hector Perez to Toronto as part of the deal, a day before the deadline for trades without waivers.
Osuna has not pitched in the majors since May 6, two days before he was put on administrative leave when he was charged with one count of assault in Toronto — which remains pending.
Lynn traded to Yankees
The Minnesota Twins traded right-hander Lance Lynn to the Yankees for first baseman/outfielder Tyler Austin and righthanded pitching prospect Luis Rijo.
Minnesota will send $2 million to the Yankees as part of the deal to cover half of the $4 million remaining in Lynn’s $12 million salary.
Lynn, 31, was 7-8 with a 5.10 ERA in 20 starts for the Twins, walking 62 and striking out 100 in 102 1/3 innings. He is likely to become a long reliever with the Yankees.
Lynn also joins Luis Cessa as insurance for a starting rotation that includes Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Sonny Gray and newly acquired J.A. Happ.
Mariners add to bullpen
The Seattle Mariners worked on their bullpen again, acquiring lefthander Zach Duke from the Twins and right-hander Adam Warren from the Yankees for a pair of minor leaguers.
The trades provided two more relief options for Manager Scott Servais with Seattle in the playoff hunt in the AL West.
The Mariners sent pitcher Chase De Jong and infielder Ryan Costello to the Twins, and dealt international slot money to the Yankees for Warren.
Braves’ Newcomb apologizes
Braves left-hander Sean Newcomb apologized to his teammates for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager.
Newcomb’s apology was delivered in a meeting attended by players, coaches, Manager Brian Snitker and Atlanta staff.
Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson said players accepted the apology. Each said tweets made public on Sunday did not represent Newcomb’s actions on the team.
“I think Newcomb is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Inciarte said. “He’s such a good person and a great example and role model for this organization, I’m more than proud to talk about the kind of person he is.”
Around the majors
• The Dodgers placed All-Star right-hander Ross Stripling on the 10-day disabled list with right first toe inflammation. The team also recalled left-hander Dylan Floro from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
• The Braves acquired outfielder Adam Duvall from the Reds to bolster their lineup for a postseason push. The Braves sent right-handers Lucas Sims and Matt Wisler and outfielder Preston Tucker to Cincinnati.
• The Red Sox acquired Ian Kinsler from the Angels to fill in for injured second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Boston is sending Triple-A pitchers Ty Buttrey and Williams Jerez to Los Angeles. The Angels are also sending cash.