After missing the last two seasons due to two arm surgeries, right-hander Arodys Vizcaino has started the season strong. Now a reliever, the Cubs' No. 8 prospect earned his first career save Monday as Class A Advanced Daytona defeated Clearwater 6-5 in 11 innings.
Vizcaino pitched a perfect inning against the Phillies affiliate, inducing three ground-ball outs.
Vizcaino began his career as a starter in the Yankees organization. He was traded to the Braves in 2009 as part of a deal for Javier Vazquez. He reached the Major Leagues in 2011 with Atlanta, appearing in 17 games as a reliever. He underwent Tommy John surgery in early 2012 and, while he was recovering, was dealt to the Cubs in the Paul Maholm deal at the Trade Deadline later that year.
Though Vizcaino is healthy now and once again throwing his upper-90s fastball and power curveball, the Cubs are still taking things slow with him. He has yet to pitch on fewer than two days rest and hasn't been used for more than one inning at a time.
But the results have been good so far. In six relief appearances for Daytona, Vizcaino has a 1.50 ERA and has struck out six batters.
Teddy Cahill is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tedcahill. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
