INDIANAPOLIS -- Andy Barkett was going to keep an eye on a few players at the beginning of the season.
Jose Osuna was one of those players, someone who nearly made the Pirates’ opening day roster after an impressive Spring Training. Barkett wanted to make sure Osuna didn’t have an emotional letdown after nearly reaching his ultimate goal.
“I haven’t had to say a word,” said Barkett, the first-year manager of the Indians. “My message would be, ‘Hey, you’re close. You’re knocking on the door, so let’s not change anything. Be ready to go at anytime.’”
Osuna’s time is now, promoted to Pittsburgh on Tuesday to take the place of Starling Marte, who was suspended for 80 games due to testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.