Arodys Vizcaino is informally the Braves’ closer again.
Vizcaino came in Saturday to finish off the Marlins, his third save since Aug. 2. He retook the ninth inning role from Jim Johnson, who blew a majors-high eight saves.
After blowing his third save in seven opportunities in Philadelphia July 30, Braves manager Brian Snitker removed Johnson from the role.
Vizcaino wasn’t officially named the closer, but he’s become the go-to guy at the end of games.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Vizcaino said through a translator. “And obviously I’m grateful to the manager too for his confidence in me. This entire time I’ve worked really hard to kind of get to where I’m at, to get the numbers I have, and more than anything else gain the confidence from the manager to put me in that position. It’s a nice feeling.”
It’s not a new spot for Vizcaino. He collected a 3.00 ERA and 10 saves in 39 games in 2016 before being sidelined by an oblique strain.
“I’m kind of trying to stick with the same approach I had the previous year and this year whenever I got those opportunities,” he said. “I’m just going to try to focus on the simple things, you know? Just throw strikes, get in the zone, try to get guys out.”
Working primarily as a setup man, Vizcaino had a 2.38 ERA over 37 games before hitting the disabled list with a strained right index finger July 5. His 2.45 ERA trails only Jose Ramirez among qualifying Braves relievers.
“He’s throwing really good,” Snitker said. “When he’s healthy, he has weapons to pitch that (ninth) inning.”
Moving from the eighth to the ninth, Vizcaino has a slight mental adjustment.
“There’s a little bit of a difference in the sense that I think in the ninth inning, you have a little bit more responsibility,” he said. “You’re coming in to finish the game and all that. But in both roles you have to go in and execute. You just have to go out and do your job and be successful.”
Vizcaino knows it’s not his call whether he retains closer duties, but he’s going to do what he can to keep them.
“Obviously, I’d love to continue with this opportunity to be the closer, but those decisions aren’t up to me,” Vizcaino said. “To be honest, I’ll pitch where they need me, whatever inning they need me. I can go out there and I’ll do it.”
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