Arodys Vizcaino: Closer Help is on the Way

Mar 18, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Arodys Vizcaino (38) throws a pitch during a spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees at Champion Stadium. The Yankees won 12-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

There were a lot of closers that switched teams during the trade deadline. As a result, some fantasy owners were left without a closer or two. However, with those moves come opportunity for someone else. If you are one of those owners that lost a closer due to the trade deadline, go out and pick up Arodys Vizcaino.

The Atlanta Braves traded Craig Kimbrel just before the season started. This made Jason Grilli the closer. After injury ended Grilli’s season, Jim Johnson was next up in the role. The Braves then traded Johnson, leaving a big gap in the bullpen, especially in the ninth inning.

The Braves announced on July 31 that Vizcaino will be the closer for the time being. Vizcaino does not have closer experience. He has just two saves in the minors. He was a starting pitcher early in his career, but transitioned to the bullpen in 2014. He finished with a 3.54 ERA in 40 appearances last season.

Arodys Vizcaino made his 2015 debut on July 7, throwing 2/3 innings and did not allow a hit or walk. So far this season, he has a 0.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 11:4 K:BB ratio in 12 games.

The leash will likely be short on Vizcaino for the rest of the season. The Braves are eight games back of first place in the NL East. If they want to catch up to the New York Mets or Washington Nationals, they need a solid bullpen to close out games.

Fantasy owners are desperate for saves at this point in the season. With some teams going with the committee approach and other closers blowing saves recently, there are very few reliable ninth-inning guys.

Arodys Vizcaino is the fourth-most added player and third-most added pitcher (No. 1 reliever) in ESPN.com leagues over the last seven days. He is still owned in only 30 percent of leagues.

I understand if you are hesitant to add someone who has not proven themselves. He could be really good, or be really bad. Yet, getting an opportunity to add a closer to your team at this point in the season is something you can’t pass on.