Atlanta Braves Morning Chop/Box. Voting, Vizzy, and Wizzy

Mar 21, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher

(38) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Braves 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Notes

Vizzy is eligible to return from suspension on roughly July 5th.

Atlanta Braves promote pitching prospect Matt Wisler

JOHN SICKELS / MINORLEAGUEBALL.COM

The Atlanta Braves are promoting pitching prospect Matt Wisler to the major league roster. …

Wisler was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the seventh round of the 2011 draft out of high school in Bryan, Ohio. He emerged as an interesting prospect quickly with strong seasons in Low-A (2.53 ERA, 113/28 K/BB in 114 innings) in 2012 and Double-A (2.78, 103/27 K/BB in 105 innings) in 2013 but had a few troubles transitioning to the difficult Pacific Coast League in 2014 (5.01, 101/36 in 117 innings, 131 hits).

…

His fastball is generally in the 90-94 range with peaks at 95-96. He can use both a two and a four-seam variety. His slider is a solid offering, plus at times, and he’s developed a deceptive change-up. Although none of his pitches are outstanding, none of them are weak, either, and he throws quality strikes with everything. He’s been quite durable to this point in his career and projects as a number three or strong number four starter, capable of eating innings efficiently.

[ Ed. note:  this is an independent look at what to expect from Wisler from a long-time minor league prospect watcher.  There are some questions about how long Wisler will be in the majors; my take is that this is a ‘real’ trial… not a stop-gap thing.  Like Williams Perez, it could be his role unless he falters, but either way, I do think he gets several starts to see.

Oh, and if I refer to Vizcaino as “Vizzy”, shouldn’t I then also use “Wizzy” for Wisler? ]

Next: Learn More About Wisler Here