Fatigue an issue, but Blue Jays ‘pen has little time to rest

TORONTO — The Blue Jays’ bullpen has become a pretty big strength during the second half of the season, but it could be headed for a breaking point with just four games remaining in the regular season.

Toronto’s relievers have been left battered and bruised over the last week. Joaquin Benoit might miss the rest of the season with a torn left calf muscle. Roberto Osuna has blown each of his last two save opportunities, and Jason Grilli has seen his ERA rise from 3.02 to 4.01 in less than a month.

The latest blow came on Wednesday night, when Osuna surrendered a go-ahead homer to pinch-hitter Hyun Soo Kim in the top of the ninth inning. The two-run drive sent the Blue Jays to a 3-2 loss and ensured the club would have to wait at least a couple of more days to clinch an American League Wild Card spot.

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“I think we’re going to be fine,” Osuna said through an interpreter. “We’re playing against the best teams in the Major Leagues right now, in our division. Stuff like today, it’s supposed to happen sometimes, but I’m not worried at all. I think we’re going to be in a good position after the next four games.”

Toronto’s bullpen was a major issue during the first two months of the season, but Grilli helped stabilize the …

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