Atlanta Braves Morning Chop/Box: Stadium, Suspensions
Apr 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Andrew McKirahan (52) gets ready to throw a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Atlanta Braves won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Braves relievers Arodys Vizcaino, Andrew McKirahan near end of suspensions
DAVID O’BRIEN / THE ALBANY HERALD
WASHINGTON — Atlanta Braves reliever Arodys Vizcaino, serving an 80-game suspension for use of performance-enhancing drugs, has begun a minor league rehab assignment and could be added to the Braves bullpen as soon as July 4, the first day he’s eligible.
Rookie left-hander Andrew McKirahan, also serving an 80-game suspension for PEDs, will begin his minor league assignment in about one week and can return to the Braves on July 20, the fourth game after the All-Star break.
Suspended players are allowed to spend up to 16 days on minor league rehab assignments prior to the conclusion of their suspensions.
Vizcaino made three relief appearances before Tuesday — one at Single-A Rome, two at Double-A Mississippi — and allowed four hits, one run and no walks with five strikeouts in three innings. The hard-throwing former Braves prospect was reacquired from the Cubs in a November trade for Tommy La Stella, and the Braves had planned to give Vizcaino a shot at a setup role before he struggled with command in spring training.
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[ Ed. note: the Braves’ bullpen has actually been recovering from their June Swoon reasonably well in recent days, though decisions will have to be made in July about how to go forward. There are several candidates emerging at the AAA level, including Ryan Weber, Ryan Kelly, and possibly Peter Moylan.
The return of this pair – Vizzy and McKirahan – just adds to the possibilities, though McKirahan’s case is a little more interesting since he was a Rule 5 pick. Thus Atlanta must keep him in the majors, send him back to the Cubs, or (possibly) make a deal with the Cubs to keep him. ]