Astros: Pressly and Osuna imposing one-two punch out of bullpen

The Astros relief pitchers Ryan Pressly and Roberto Osuna have become one of the most formidable setup-man/closer combinations in baseball.

Pressly and Osuna were acquired by the Astros via trades last season just three days apart. Ever since then, they haven’t looked back and have been lights out on the mound. They have become the go-to guys to wrap up the games and secure the win.

Ryan Pressly, 30-years-old, was drafted in the 11th round in 2007 by none other than, the Boston Red Sox. He began his professional career with the Twins in 2013 and stayed in Minnesota until the Astros traded for him in late July of last year. Houston has Pressly under contract through 2021 with a vesting option for 2022.

The Dallas native has a career ERA of 3.49, but since he’s been wearing an Astros uniform it’s been rare for the opposing teams to cross home plate while he’s on the mound. Pressly has appeared in 31 games for a total of 28 innings pitched since his Houston debut July 28, 2018. Over that span he’s only allowed two runs for an unbelievably low ERA of 0.62. The last run Pressly surrendered was way back in Aug. 10 of last season, 26 appearances ago, and counting.

Osuna, 24-years-old, began his career in 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays and pitched there until he was traded to Houston on July 30, 2018. This season is the last year that he’s under contract with Houston. The Mexican native has a 2.75 career ERA, but like Pressly, runs scored against him as an Astros have been scant. Osuna’s ERA since he’s been here in Houston has been 1.91.

Since Osuna pitched his first game for Houston on Aug. 6, 2018, he hasn’t blown a single save opportunity. Osuna has 16 straight saves in as many tries as an Astro, a franchise record. It’s no surprise he has become the anointed closer for Houston.

Pressly and Osuna have already paired up four times this season to close out games. Pressly did come in the game last night in the 8th inning to stop the bleeding after the pen gave up 4 runs, and then finished it out in the 9th for the save to give Osuna a rest. We’ll see these two many more times this season, as arguably the best one-two punch out of the bullpen currently in the majors.