Osuna Makes First Start, Throws Three Perfect Innings

Low-A reliever Stiven Osuna moved into the TinCaps rotation yesterday, bumping Michael Watt to the bullpen.

Osuna, 23, was no great shakes out of the bullpen, with an 15/11 K/BB ratio in 17 1/3 innings, but his first start couldn’t have gone better.

Osuna threw three perfect innings against South Bend, getting one strikeout.

He has starting experience, as the Venezuelan righty started 24 games last year for Fort Wayne. He also appeared in relief six times, and had a 4.54 ERA on the year.

Known for his good changeup, Osuna isn’t a hard thrower, as his fastball is in the 87-89 range. The changeup can be the hardest pitch to develop, so it’s good that he’s got that, but a 16/11 K/BB ratio isn’t very good for a guy who doesn’t have strikeout stuff. Last year’s 105/54 was a bit better, but Osuna walks too many batters for a finesse guy.

He didn’t walk anybody yesterday, obviously, so hopefully the move to starting will help the walk issue.