That isn’t uncommon among guys that are on their way back from Tommy John surgery, so it’s not completely fair to judge his command here. After the 2005 season, the Braves lost their long-time pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who left to go to the … Still, the Braves are not without options at the backend of the bullpen even if the sides cannot agree on a deal.28-year-old right-hander Arodys Vizcaíno was the primary closer last season. By Matt Powers @MattPowers31 Jun 22, 2020, 10:00am EDT Share this story He went on the disabled list in mid-June with shoulder inflammation. He had a better feel for his control than his command in this start. The load was probably a shock on his arm, as he underwent Tommy John Surgery following the … Here's a look at Atlanta's closers over the past three decades. He is a two-pitch pitcher, using an overpowering four-seam fastball and a slider to get batters out. The closer position continues to be a big question mark for the Atlanta Braves.Despite acquiring three relievers before MLB's trade deadline (Shane Greene, Mark Melancon and Chris Martin), it was Luke Jackson closing out Sunday's finale against the Miami Marlins. He has also posted three seasons with a sub-three ERA during that span. Chris Burke ended the marathon with a home run off of Joey Devine. A closer look at the Braves 4th round pick from the 2020 MLB Draft, Clemson RHP Spencer Strider. He saved 16 games but also battled shoulder injuries. Durability concerns will linger until he can go an extended amount of time while being effective.Sobotka was projected as a possible first-round selection in 2014 out of USC-Upstate, but back issues slid him to Atlanta in the fourth round. The Braves brought him back on a one-year deal this off-season. This pitch below gives you a better look at the movement on his 97 MPH fastball that he ended up picking up a swinging strikeout.Strider has a mound presence about him, he’s high-energy and cocky to the point it shows his confidence.I didn’t pay close attention to him previously thinking with the shortened draft and a chance to rebuild his stock that he was likely headed back to school. Even if he maintains the closer role this season, it is unlikely he will keep it beyond 2019.As March quickly approaches Kimbrel remains unsigned leaving a return to the Braves on a short term deal still a possibility. The second stint on the DL lasted much longer, running into September. I wanted to embed some of his work in here for you to take a look as we talk about him. Vizcaíno did blow two saves along with his 16 saves in 2018.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to put a 65 grade on it with the combination of velocity and movement.Strider doesn’t have the ideal delivery.
The game did not end until the 18th inning, becoming the longest game in playoff history at 5 hours 50 minutes. 28-year-old right-hander Arodys Vizcaíno was the primary closer last season. If Strider is going to remain a starter, this is the biggest key for him to develop one- though it isn’t the only question mark on that if you keep reading.Whatever happens in regards to his role, Strider is a live arm and can be an asset to the Braves in some way as his fastball and slider are more than enough to get big league hitters out.The below clip has a second camera angle as well.I picked the South Carolina start, as it was his longest of the year at 4 IP, against the best lineup he faced(Liberty, Stony Brook, and Boston College were the others), and because the Gamecocks had some familiarity with him.Strider was a candidate to return to school and try to prove why he was a potential Top 100 pick out of high school, but the Braves saw something in him that drew them to him this spring.
Even if he can be a one inning setup man this pick will come back as a strong pick in a few years.Before we get started I want to point out that the breaking balls are the last thing to come back for a pitcher after Tommy John surgery, and Strider is still very much in the middle of his recovery as he had a 50 pitch limit on his game.I chose to do Strider as a lesser known commodity, but if you are interested in a similar breakdown of top pick Jared Shuster, comment below.The changeup wasn’t really seen in this outing and hasn’t been used much in his college career.