WASHINGTON – 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.
He could have another chance to earn a significant role after his suspension is lifted, but the Braves also have the option of sending Vizcaino to Triple-A if necessary, since he’s not out of minor league options. Vizcaino’s suspension was announced near the end of spring training, after he had already been sent down to minor league camp.
McKirahan’s suspension was levied after the 12th game of the season, after he had pitched in three games for the Braves, allowing three hits, two runs and one walk with two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings. His positive PED test came when he was still with the Marlins in March.
The Braves claimed the lefty off waivers in the last week of spring training. Because McKiranan, 25, had been a Rule 5 selection by the Marlins from the Cubs in December, he must be kept on the Braves’ 25-man roster all season or be offered back at half of the original $50,000 claiming price.
The Braves weren’t required to use one of their 25-man rosters on him while McKirahan was suspended and on the restricted list, but they will have to put him on the 25-man roster or once his suspension ends. He had shown some encouraging signs late in spring and in his first few appearances, enough that the Braves seem likely to at least give him an extended opportunity to show what he can do.
