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A Guide to Atlanta Braves Spring Training Drama: Bullpen Edition

By Philip Tapley Jr.

Sep 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Arodys Vizcaino (38) delivers a pitch to a Washington Nationals batter in the ninth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Arodys Vizcaino (38) delivers a pitch to a Washington Nationals batter in the ninth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will Arodys Vizcaino headline a revamped Braves Bullpen in 2016?Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Will Arodys Vizcaino headline a revamped Braves Bullpen in 2016?Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

You’re tuning into Part 2 of a titillating mini-series on Spring Training competition for Atlanta Braves 2016 Opening Day roster spots.

Our ambition here in this piece is to gear up for for what can only be characterized as a wide open, battle royale out in the ‘pen.

Atlanta Braves Spring Bullpen Outlook
Who knows, really? Credit: Philip Tapley Jr. /

As is the case with most clubs turning their sights towards Spring Training, most of the competition in Braves camp will take place amongst relievers. It’s a picture of the human struggle; older practitioners trying to overcome adversity, younger upstarts challenging the old guard, outcasts returning home, former castoffs angling for good graces… outside chances taken on unknowns, even. The intrigue of deals to be made later looms large, as well. How about some specifics, then?!

The Drama 

Arodys  Vizcaino VS Jason  Grilli.

When Mike Foltynewicz returns from presumably a short absence, it’s possible that the Braves will opt to move him to the pen.

Who will be the closer? The younger Arodys Vizcaino has seemed the heir apparent since Jason Grilli was injured in 2015, and he’s probably felt that way himself. But Grilli is the vet, and Fredi Gonzalez has plainly stated that the job is his to lose. The spring performances for these two may have a strong influence on the Opening Day arrangement in the ‘pen. If Grilli is shaky and Vizzy is strong this spring, it will be tough for the Braves to pad the veteran’s trade value by providing him save opportunities. It’s also wise to remember that a subplot here is Grilli VS Age, as he is trying to bounce back from a tough achilles injury before a season that will see him turn the big 4-0. Very Dramatic.

Rule 5 Roulette.

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The Braves have two players on board as Rule 5 draft picks this year in Evan Rutckyj and Daniel Winkler. You can brush up on the finer points of Rule 5 restrictions here, but it should suffice to understand that the Braves will likely lose these players if they don’t make the Opening Day roster. While their Rule 5 status provides the players some advantage, both must avoid disappointment this Spring if they are to make the cut. Rutckyj is just about a lock in the pen as one of the few appealing left handed options, on top of his Rule 5 Draft status. Winkler is an interesting case; because he was acquired while on the DL, the Braves only need him to stick on the roster for 90 days to avoid losing him. The 26 year old righty had a respectable showing in the Arizona Fall League this year, and a solid spring may be enough for the Braves to invest a roster spot to keep him around. All this combines to make for another dramatic Spring Training narrative, which is nice.

Lefty-in, Lefty-out.

Atlanta Braves Andrew McKirahan
Can McKirahan overcome is 2015 PED suspension? Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Beyond, Rutckyj, Andrew McKirahan and Alex Torres seem to be the front runners in a comparatively small pool of left-handed specialist types. McKirahan was well positioned to contribute breaking camp in 2015, but was caught cheating with some or another play-good tonic and missed 80 games on a PED suspension. The Venezuelan Torres has posted 150+ big league innings of 2.68 ERA relief; if the 28 year old can limit his walks, he could be very effective. Still, a poor spring will likely sink the chances of either hurler making the club.

Atlanta will probably carry only two left-handers in the ‘pen, and former Tiger Ian Krol and Braves product Matt Marksberry also factor in to this southpaw drama. Krol has stuck around the league for 88 innings without totally shaming himself, though he has surrendered a .346 OBP and a 1.43 WHIP against lefties, and has been worse against righties. Marksberry could become relevent with a successful spring that points towards improvement on his very pedestrian 5.01 ERA in 31 appearances last season.

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Next: Now, onto the Righties and Honorable Mentions!

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