Astros' Hinch plans to use Osuna in Toronto series

Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Monday he won't shy away from using closer Roberto Osuna in his club's three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

"I'll use him in accordance with how he (fits) on our team," Hinch told reporters. "If we have a save opportunity tonight, he'll get the save."

The Blue Jays traded Osuna to Houston in July while the 23-year-old right-hander was serving a 75-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. Osuna, who was arrested May 8 and charged with assault, is scheduled to appear in a Toronto court Tuesday.

Activated by the Astros on Aug. 6, Osuna has since taken over as the club's closer. In 20 appearances with Houston, the one-time All-Star owns a 2.29 ERA and 0.92 WHIP, converting nine saves in as many chances.

"He's been exceptional," said Hinch. "His talent’s been exceptional. He’s been very, very good on the field. He’s been good in our clubhouse. He’s integrated onto our team as I expected him to. When we acquired him, (Blue Jays manager) John Gibbons gave me a call and he told me about him as a player, about how he is around the club, about how he handles success, how he handles failure, and he was spot on that (Osuna) can handle any situation.”

According to Hinch, Osuna - whose court date has been deferred multiple times - hasn't seemed fazed by the case while at the ballpark.

"He's been business as usual," said Hinch. "I'm around him when he gets here at the ballpark and when we leaves, and it's basically been about baseball."

Unlike players suspended this year for violating the league's drug policy, Osuna will be eligible to appear in the postseason for the Astros, who clinched a playoff berth last week and could lock up a second straight division title as early as Tuesday.