Astros Manager AJ Hinch Tries to Downplay Roberto Osuna's Major Struggles

It's absolutely understandable for a big league closer to go through a brief rough patch. After all, it's a near impossible task to remain untouchable for an entire season.

Much of the same can be applied to the Houston Astros' once-shutdown closer, Roberto Osuna. The former All-Star allowed just one earned run, fanned 19 batters, and didn't botch a save in his first 21.1 innings of 2019.

Since then, however, the 24-year-old has been an utter disaster for manager AJ Hinch. In his last three innings, Osuna has allowed five earned runs and has surrendered as many hits (seven) as he did in his first 21 outings. But Hinch is still backing him as his go-to ninth inning man.

"I have no concern for him," said Hinch. "I don't like that he's giving up runs, he doesn't like that he's giving up runs but it's part of the gig."

Well, that's about as cool and composed of a response as a manager could be. Sure, Osuna hadn’t allowed a run since April 4, but his struggles are something the manager should show more of a concern and overall interest in.

It's only a three-inning sample, but the results are certainly concerning even though the outings came against high-powered offenses in the Red Sox and Cubs. From the surface, Hinch's nonchalant comments and confidence in Osuna may be admirable to fans and the media, but he will look mighty foolish if his struggles continue.