KANSAS CITY -- One day after revealing that he was dealing with anxiety issues, Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna was back on the mound. He worked the ninth inning of Toronto's 8-2 victory over the Royals on Sunday and struck out the side while allowing one infield hit.
"I thought he looked great today," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "If there comes a time that he doesn't feel that he could [pitch], he'll let us know."
Osuna's situation came to light after the Blue Jays went to the ninth inning Friday night with a 4-1 lead. The Royals scored four to win the game and Osuna, who has 19 saves, never appeared. Gibbons said after the game that Osuna hadn't been feeling well. On Saturday morning, Osuna told reporters the issue was not physical.
"I feel better than yesterday and the day before," Osuna said through a translator.
With regard to an outpouring of support through social media, Osuna expressed his appreciation.
"I didn't read everything, but I've heard about it," Osuna said. "I really appreciate the support of the people."
Osuna has ample guidance from the medical officials in the Blue Jays' organization.
"I'm just following the directions of what the trainers and doctors tell me to do and hopefully it's going to get better," Osuna said.
Gibbons wanted to get Osuna some work Sunday to avoid rustiness.
"He needed to get in there," Gibbons said "We had it covered if it didn't go well. But I thought it was important for him to get out there."