Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Arodys Vizcaino faces an 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's joint drug prevention and treatment program, according to a press release from the league.
Braves RHP Arodys Vizcaino suspended for 80 games
Vizcaino was recently optioned to the minors, but is a factor in the Braves’ bullpen depth.
Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Vizcaino tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Stanzolol, per the release. The 24-year-old reliever was recently optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after walking nine batters in eight Grapefruit League innings.
Despite the questionable command, Vizcaino was throwing "significantly harder" than he had in previous seasons, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan. Vizcaino's average fastball velocity was 95.2 mph last year in a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs.
The Braves re-acquired Vizcaino from the Cubs in exchange for Tommy La Stella in November. After making his major league debut for the Braves in 2011, Vizcaino was traded to Chicago in a 2012 deal that netted Atlanta veterans Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm. Vizcaino was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the time of the trade.
See More:
