Atlanta Braves: Arodys Vizcaino injury leads to opportunity

The Atlanta Braves have an opening at closer with the news that Arodys Vizcaino is out for the year.

Early in the 2019 season, the Atlanta Braves bullpen has struggled. Heading into Wednesday’s action, Braves relievers had posted a 5.43 ERA, tied with the Cubs for 24th in baseball. In the National League, only the Mets, Diamondbacks, and Nationals have been worse thus far. For a team with postseason aspirations, those bullpen struggles could be their downfall.

That situation became worse for Atlanta on Wednesday. They announced that closer Arodys Vizcaino had shoulder surgery, which will sideline for the rest of the year.

Vizcaino had been one of the few bright spots in the Braves bullpen this year. In his four innings, he allowed one run on three hits and three walks, striking out six batters while recording a save. After three seasons of essentially serving as a co-closer, his absence leaves the door wide open to take on that role.

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In theory, A.J. Minter would be next in line. He was Vizcaino’s co-closer last season, recording 15 saves in that role. However, he is struggling to begin the season, having allowed five runs on six hits and four walks in his 4.2 innings while striking out five batters. The majority of that damage came in two appearances, where he allowed all five of those runs while recording just three outs.

This is also a chance for the likes of Jesse Biddle, Luke Jackson, and Wes Parsons to step into a larger role. Should Minter continue to struggle, it is possible that the Braves will look another option to close out the ninth inning. Any of that trio could be an option.

Of course, one cannot ignore the elephant in the room in Craig Kimbrel. While the Braves had been linked to him in the past, nothing had come of those rumors. However, Kimbrel has lowered his asking price in recent weeks, and may be willing to return to Atlanta. Even if that required a multi-year deal, Kimbrel would be a proven arm that could solidify the back of the bullpen.

There are opportunities available in the Atlanta Braves bullpen in the wake of Arodys Vizcaino’s season ending surgery. It is a matter of seeing which pitchers take advantage.