The Toronto Blue Jays dealt suspended pitcher Roberto Osuna to the Houston Astros on Monday in exchange for three pitchers, including right-hander Ken Giles.
The 23-year-old Mexico native is eligible to return on Sunday from a 75-game ban under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
Jays general manager Ross Atkins said he considered the team’s fan base when making the decision to trade closer Osuna but did not go into detail.
“We do feel a responsibility to the fans and we do feel empathy for the fans and we ultimately work for the fans,” Atkins said. “We are human and it is very difficult for accusations not to influence us in some way.”
Osuna’s lawyer Domenic Basile said he wants people to understand that his client still has to go through the legal process.
“I remind everyone that he is presumed innocent and that our focus is to continue to deal with his court matter,” Basile said.
Osuna has not pitched in the majors since May 6, two days before he was put on leave when he was charged with one count of assault on a woman in Toronto. He’s expected to plead not guilty in a Canadian court on Wednesday. 
The Jays also received minor league right-handed pitchers Hector Perez and David Paulino in the trade. 
Elsewhere, the New York Yankees shored up their pitching for a playoff stretch run by acquiring right-hander Lance Lynn from the Minnesota Twins.
Lynn will fill the role of relief pitcher and joins Luis Cessa as insurance for a starting rotation that includes Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Sonny Gray and newly acquired J.A. Happ.
The Yankees gave up first baseman Tyler Austin and right-handed pitcher Luis Rijo for Lynn. 


Nationals make Harper available in trade talks
The Washington Nationals have made six-time All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper available in trade talks ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, according to multiple reports Monday evening.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand first reported the Nationals were letting other teams know Harper is available. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed the Nats are sending out “feelers” on Harper, but suggested that any deal appears to be a long shot.
“I’d be shocked if they do it,” a rival executive told Rosenthal. “They’re seeing if someone wants to go crazy.”
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported the Cleveland Indians have been in touch with the Nationals about Harper but have thus far refused to include 23-year-old starter Shane Bieber in an offer. Fan Rag Sports’ Jon Heyman reported earlier Monday that rival teams believed there was “almost no chance” Washington would market or trade Harper before the deadline. Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan also reported Monday that Harper has been asking friends and confidants if they think the Nationals might trade him.
Harper, 25, is set to hit free agency after the season and could command the largest contract in major league history. Washington is expected to try to sign Harper long term, but he is expected to have many suitors.
The 2015 National League MVP has struggled to a .220 batting average this season, but his major-league-high 84 walks have contributed to a .369 on-base percentage. He also has 25 home runs and 62 RBIs. His career highs are 42 and 99, respectively, set in 2015.
The injury-plagued Nationals are 52-53, 5 1/2 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, and six teams are ahead of them in the race for two wild-card playoff berths.