The Braves’ bullpen has been an asset lately, and four sidelined members are working their way toward a return.
Granted, there’s not room for everybody. Decisions are coming, even with rosters expanding in September.
Sam Freeman, once the reliable lefty who lost his command before going on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, is throwing bullpen sessions.
Shane Carle was placed on the DL on Tuesday with inflammation after pitching a pair of innings in the first game of a doubleheader. Peter Moylan has been out of action with a right forearm strain. Closer Arodys Vizcaino is on his second DL stint because of inflammation.
Manager Brian Snitker expressed optimism he’ll regain some of the bullpen depth in the next few weeks.
“Sam’s not far off. He’s throwing bullpens,” Snitker said. “(Carle) will be behind Sam, but at some point, whether it’s the first of September or the end of the month, you’re looking at that. Peter will probably go out before long. There are some guys there you feel good about coming back.”
Undoubtedly, Vizcaino’s return would be the biggest boost. He had a 1.65 ERA in 32-2/3 innings before going on the DL in late June with shoulder discomfort. He briefly returned, only to require further time rehabbing.
A.J. Minter has taken over closer duties in Vizcaino’s absence, but the latter would add another capable arm to a backend that was recently improved via trade with Brad Brach. But Vizcaino’s return, at the earliest, would be in September.
“Vizzy starts throwing next week,” Snitker said. “It’s going to be a while before he gets back up. … He felt really good when we did this before. As he amped it up – we’ll see. Hopefully we took care of it this time.”
Freeman had become near unplayable before being placed on the DL. Jonny Venters has done an admirable job filling his spot. If the team believes Freeman is closer to his old form, they could reinsert him into the mix.
Carle has faded since his exceptional start, but provides length the team needs with only three off-days remaining down the stretch.
Moylan, 39, might be a long shot to return. He’s pitched just 28-1/3 innings this season. The team also has added depth it didn’t have when the season began, which may push one or two arms out even as rosters expand to 40 in September.
Kolby Allard was called up Saturday as a long-relief option. Chad Sobotka pitched well in the ninth inning Friday night, earning another look. Luke Jackson, once a less desirable option, has grown reliable in a pinch.
Then there’s Minter, Brach, Venters, Dan Winkler and Jesse Biddle; none of whom are going anywhere as long as they are healthy. Still, having more to work with is never a bad thing, and it’s especially useful with a team that’s managed to, for lack of a better term, manipulate the unit to ensure fresher arms.
But “depth can be a one-day thing,” as Snitker warned. And so it’s helpful for his group to have ample options in the final several weeks.
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