Yahoo Sports 
Blue Jays by the numbers: Miguel Castro, Roberto Osuna trusted in important relief roles
Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna entered 2015 never having thrown a pitch above A-ball. Yet here we are a week into the season and it's already apparent that Blue Jays manager John Gibbons trusts the two 20-year-old right-handers to get the job done in high-leverage situations out of the bullpen.
Considered longshots to make the team out of spring training, their performances in camp and during Grapefruit League action were too strong to ignore and they both earned their way onto the opening day roster.
It hasn't taken long for Castro and Osuna to show that they belong.
When it was clear that Brett Cecil's velocity was down during Wednesday's meltdown against the Yankees, Gibbons switfly installed Castro as the club's defacto closer, at least for the time being. He also brought in Osuna for his big-league debut in a bases loaded, one out situation to face Alex Rodriguez, and Osuna responded by getting the Blue Jays out of the jam.
Gibbons certainly hasn't been afraid to use either of them in pressure-packed spots, and the early returns have been terrific.
Castro | Score | Situation | IP | ER | H | K | BB |
April 6 vs. NYY | 6-1 TOR | B8 - Runner on second, two outs | 1.1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
April 8 vs. NYY | 2-1 TOR | B7 - Runner on first, one out | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
April 9 vs. NYY | 6-3 TOR | B9 - Bases empty, no outs | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
April 12 vs. BAL | 10-7 TOR | B9 - Bases empty, no outs | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
TOTAL |
|
| 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Osuna | Score | Situation | IP | ER | H | K | BB |
April 8 vs. NYY | 4-3 NYY | B8 - Bases loaded, one out | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
April 9 vs. NYY | 5-3 TOR | B8 - Runner on first, two outs | 1.1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
April 12 vs. BAL | 8-7 TOR | B7 - Bases empty, no outs | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
TOTAL |
|
| 3.0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
Close games, runners on, taking on division rivals – it hasn't mattered one bit. Castro, who is 2/2 in save opportunities since taking over the closer's role, and Osuna are quickly establishing themselves as Toronto's go-to relief pitchers despite their lack of experience; their stuff is that overwhelming.
Castro does most of his damage with a lively fastball that consistently touches 97 mph while also working in a changeup and a slider. Osuna doesn't throw quite as hard, his fastball is closer to 95 mph, but his offspeed pitches are more dynamic.
A 4-2 start to the season with series wins over the Yankees and Orioles has Blue Jays fans feeling good about their team heading into Monday's home opener against Tampa Bay. Knowing they have two 20-year-old power arms at the back end of the bullpen only adds to the early excitement. And if Castro and Osuna continue to be reliable late inning options along with Cecil and fellow left-hander Aaron Loup, Toronto will have plenty to cheer about a few months from now, too.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Canada Sports:
- - - - - - -
Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
