You would think that the most frustrating thing to happen to Red Sox fans tonight would be seeing their bullpen turn a 2-0 lead into a 6-3 loss. But for me, my fellow female baseball fans, and anyone with a moral compass, it was seeing Astros midseason acquisition Roberto Osuna take the mound to complete Houston’s comeback win.
Osuna is currently standing trial for a domestic violence incident that occurred earlier this season when he was still on the Toronto Blue Jays. Back in May, he was arrested and charged with assaulting his girlfriend. MLB suspended him for 75 games, the third-longest suspension since the league created their domestic violence policy in August 2015. That’s right: Houston traded for a player in the midst of legal proceedings for a heinous crime.
It’s unbelievable that this man is even allowed to sit in the dugout, let alone play the game. And it’s shameful how the Astros have behaved throughout this regrettable trade.
First, they purposefully did not consult players like Justin Verlander, who was outspoken against domestic violence after an Astros minor leaguer was caught on camera assaulting his girlfriend back in March. It’s disappointing that they would avoid seeking out the opposing opinions of Osuna’s now-teammates about such a polarizing move.
Then, GM Jeff Luhnow released a statement that claimed the Astros have a “zero tolerance policy related to abuse of any kind.” How can you say that with a straight face while the player in question stands trial for attacking a fellow human being? The lack of awareness is galling.
And this week, the Astros kicked a fan with a domestic violence protest sign out of a home game. The sign read: “Houston Domestic Violence Hotline 713-528-2121.” While any team has the right to remove fans from their ballpark at their discretion, nothing makes an organization look worse than trying to silence those who speak out against important and relevant issues. It’s truly disgusting, and shameful that they are mistreating fans instead of spearheading efforts against domestic violence themselves.
What is this, the NFL? Sure feels like it. Osuna is the Jameis Winston of baseball. Furthermore, Seattle Mariners player Robinson Cano is ineligible for the postseason after using performance-enhancing drugs, but Roberto Osuna will be able to take part in the Astros’ postseason run, despite still being on trial for attacking a woman this year. His next hearing is set for September 19. At the bare minimum, I’m thankful that they are proceeding with his trial; so many celebrities and athletes escape due to their largess or fame.
As a woman and diehard baseball fan, it sickened me to watch Osuna take the mound at my beloved ballpark. Seeing how the Astros have handled this is disillusioning, but also makes me so grateful to the Red Sox. Dave Dombrowski was adamant that he and the front office never even considered trading for Osuna.
Shame on you, MLB. Shame on you, Houston. This is the second coming of the Aroldis Chapman-Chicago Cubs 2016 playoffs, and it’s literally unwatchable.
Please consider donating to a Houston or Boston domestic violence organization
Photo: NBC News
