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Toronto Blue Jays name Roberto Osuna closer to start the season

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 26, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (54) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (54) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Opening Day right around the corner, the Toronto Blue Jays have announced who their closer will be to start the 2016 season.

On Wednesday, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbon, announced that Roberto Osuna will be the closer to start the season instead of Drew Storen. Osuna was the closer for part of the season for the Blue Jays last year, as the 21-year-old totaled 20 saves with three blown saves during the regular season.

It is rare to see a 21-year old as a closer in the majors, but Gibbons and the Blue Jays have a lot of faith in Osuna heading into the 2016 season. With Osuna being named the closer, it will once again make Drew Storen a setup man in the bullpen, which was what he did for the Washington Nationals for much of the past six seasons.

The Nationals acquiring Jonathon Papelbon last season moved Storen from the closer spot back to the setup role, which was something he wasn’t too thrilled about. Last season, Storen totaled 29 saves, 10 holds and a 3.44 ERA.

It was a bit surprising to see Osuna win the job from Storen after just one season in the big leagues, but this is a good problem to have for the Blue Jays, as the back end of their bullpen is strong on paper heading into 2016.

The Blue Jays will have to compete with some talented relief pitchers in their division, as the Boston Red Sox acquired Craig Kimbrel and the New York Yankees have the three-headed monster of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman (when his suspension is over).

The combination of Osuna and Storen is a pretty talented one for the Blue Jays, who will be attempting to win their second consecutive AL East title.

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