Atlanta Braves Julio Teheran and Arodys Vizcaino Getting Close To Returning

Braves Have Pitchers Returning Soon

The Atlanta Braves placed Arodys Vizcaino on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury on July 16.  The Braves right-handed closer left the game against the Colorado Rockies after just three pitches.  On August 2, the Braves placed starting pitcher Julio Teheran on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right lat muscle.  His DL stint will be retroactive to July 31.

Today, we heard promising news about both as they continue to make strides to returning to Atlanta.

Arodys Vizcaino Back Closing?

Vizcaino threw a simulated game in Florida this afternoon.  It was reported by AJC’s David O’Brien that this went well and he had no issues.  He should begin a rehab assignment soon and if he has no issues in that appearance he will be activated from the DL.

The situation when Vizcaino returns will be what will the Braves do with the closer spot?  Jim Johnson has excelled at the closer position since Vizzy went down.  In his past eight appearances, the 33-year-old hasn’t allowed a run, only two hits, only two walks, 12 strikeouts and has seven saves.

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I’m sure the Braves are looking at trade partners for Johnson and his stock value can’t be any higher right now.  As Fred wrote yesterday, there’s a good chance a move is made very shortly.

Vizcaino had been very impressive this season prior to the injury.  He had a 1.93 ERA heading into his last five appearances on the mound.  He could have suffered from the oblique injury during these outings.  Four of his last five outings he gave up at least one run.

Braves intern manager Brian Snitker told the media that Vizzy will make a few minor league appearances before he’s activated and he could join the Braves by the end of next week.

Julio Teheran, Please Hurry Back

Teheran is scheduled to throw a bullpen side session tomorrow (Thursday) and will make one rehab start for Gwinnett prior to joining the Braves.

Snitker said that the 25-year-old will likely be activated late next week during the homestand.  This was the first DL stint for the two-time NL All-Star pitcher.

“I feel kind of weird about it,” Teheran told reporters prior to going on the DL.  “I’m trying to get the good part of it and come back and finish the rest of the season.”

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Sounds like he’s getting close to feeling 100%!  Getting your ace back is a very good thing for one of the hottest teams in baseball.  Julio ranks 6th in the NL with a .205 opponents’ batting average and holds a 2.81 ERA which ranks 10th.

Teheran is able to come off the DL on August 14th (Sunday), but most likely won’t join the Braves until later in the week.