Report: Blue Jays’ Osuna among closer options on Nationals’ radar

MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi tells guest host Joey Vendetta that the Blue Jays hill has become much harder to climb based on their play in the series vs. Atlanta, especially with the rest of the East looking so strong.

The Washington Nationals’ desperate need for a closer has led them to internally consider various possibilities, including acquiring Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Washington (25-14) owns the best record in the National League despite ranking last in ERA in the seventh inning and later (5.42). Five different relievers have earned saves for the club this season.

Heyman reports that the Nationals have begun making calls for a closer and notes Chicago White Sox right-hander David Robertson as the most logical fit. Other closers Washington has reportedly considered include Kelvin Herrera, Alex Colome, Mark Melancon and A.J. Ramos.

It’s not known if the Blue Jays would consider dealing the 22-year-old Osuna, who is under club control until 2021. The right-hander has a proven track record, collecting 61 regular-season saves since his 2015 debut, with an additional two coming in the post-season.

After battling injuries and inconsistency to start the 2017 campaign, he’s rebounded nicely, allowing just one run on four hits over his past 9.1 innings, striking out 12.

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