LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Arodys Vizcaino has totaled 101 big league appearances since he debuted in 2011 as a hotshot 20-year-old Braves reliever who seemingly had a very bright future. This six-year span has been tarnished by a long recovery from Tommy John surgery and the shoulder discomfort that plagued him last year, after he had established himself as Atlanta's closer.
While the Braves are hopeful Vizcaino will remain healthy enough to serve as an asset at the back end of the bullpen this year, they are obviously cognizant of his health history. But the 26-year-old right-hander did at least provide some early encouragement as he popped his fastball and slider with ease during a bullpen session completed Saturday afternoon.