Arodys Vizcaino could close if Jim Johnson is dealt

July 13, 2015

Atlanta Braves – With Jim Johnson serving as the Braves closer, it’s looking like the recently called up Arodys Vizcaino is now the primary handcuff in Atlanta. A few years back, Vizcaino was a highly-regarded prospect with a 101-mph fastball. But he experienced several setbacks — Tommy John surgery, elbow surgery, and a PED suspension — and it’s taken him a while to get back to this level. Still, he could be a good speculative add. With the Braves slowly falling out of the playoff race, they could look to trade Johnson for prospects.

Updated hierarchy: Johnson | Vizcaino | Aardsma.

San Francisco Giants – Hard-throwing lefty Josh Osich has been in the big leagues 10 days, but is already turning heads in San Francisco. The former sixth round pick, who has a college no-hitter on his resume, has now logged six scoreless, hitless outings thus far, with the latest coming Sunday, when he got out of a tight situation in the 7th and stayed on for the 8th ahead of Santiago Casilla. Look for him to share 7th inning duties with Hunter Strickland after the break.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.