TORONTO – The everyday roster machinations continued for the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday, even as a far bigger story developed at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna was arrested early Tuesday and charged with assaulting a woman; until Toronto police progress further in their investigation, the next steps for Osuna and the team remain unclear. He’s on administrative leave for the time being, and that period could last more or less than the seven-day default, according to GM Ross Atkins.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays called up right-hander Jake Petricka to take Osuna’s spot in the bullpen. As for who closes, manager John Gibbons will adjust based on how games unfold instead of naming a single replacement.
“We’ll see how the game develops, you know?” Gibbons said. “See what it takes to get to that ninth inning, but we’ve got a few guys who could do it.”
Tyler Clippard, Ryan Tepera, Seung-hwan Oh and John Axford are among the possibilities for the Blue Jays in the ninth inning.
“We still feel pretty good about what’s down there,” Gibbons said. “You just deal with it.”
The club also officially placed Aledmys Diaz on the 10-day disabled list with a left ankle sprain and recalled Richard Urena to take his place on the roster. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. becomes the starting shortstop in Diaz’s absence, while Urena provides a strong defensive alternative if needed.
Gurriel Jr. made two errors while playing second base Saturday, but Gibbons suggested his arm strength plays better at shortstop.
“Gurriel’s our guy right now,” Gibbons said. “I think he’s more comfortable at short right now. I’m talking about the throws — he likes to cut it loose … I think the distance has kind of messed with him a little bit (as far as) cutting the ball loose.”
At the plate, the 24-year-old’s hitting .236/.263/.364 in 55 at bats, but he has also shown off impressive power with two home runs.
“I think he’s played better than his numbers indicate,” Gibbons said. “He continues to put up good at-bats, does a lot of good things. He’s hit some breaking balls, he’s fouled off some breaking balls. I like everything he’s doing, I really do. And he’s a confident kid.”
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Devon Travis could have been recalled in place of Urena, but he doesn’t play shortstop and has yet to rediscover his offensive rhythm at triple-A, where he has five hits in his first 23 at-bats.
As for Diaz, he was walking around the clubhouse with a limp but no walking boot Tuesday afternoon. The Blue Jays will re-evaluate him after 10 days and then estimate a timeline for game action.
The Blue Jays also got some more encouraging news on the injury front, as Curtis Granderson’s right hamstring tightness has improved to the point that he can play in games again. The left-handed hitting outfielder didn’t start against southpaw James Paxton Tuesday, but was available as a bench option after running the bases pre-game.
“If the situation calls for it, he’s good,” Gibbons said.
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