It appears that a trip to the disabled list hasn't yet deterred interest in Atlanta Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino.
Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reported Thursday that the Braves are fielding calls about Vizcaino, even though he's on the 15-day disabled list and isn't expected to be activated before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
Vizcaino, a 25-year-old right-hander, was placed on the DL on Saturday with a right oblique strain after throwing just three pitches in an 11-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Vizcaino has a 1.47 ERA and 10 saves in 36 innings pitched this season, and has allowed 31 hits and 22 walks.
According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, Vizcaino was, at one point, "a potential All-Star and an attractive trade piece." In his first 23 appearances of the season, Vizcaino posted a 1.52 ERA, limited opponents to a .253 on-base percentage and converted six of seven save opportunities, Bowman writes. Bowman goes on to note Vizcaino's struggles in his final 15 outings before the All-Star break, in which he had a 5.11 ERA and a .443 OBP against.
Vizcaino isn't the only player about whom the Braves are receiving calls, Heyman writes. He reports that Atlanta also is fielding calls on backups and bit players, such as Jeff Francoeur, Gordon Beckham and Jim Johnson, and also starting pitcher Lucas Harrell. Heyman writes that three teams have reached out to the Braves about Harrell, who was signed as a minor-league free agent.
Heyman adds that the Braves would "love" to trade Erick Aybar if possible, but at this point, it doesn't look like any team wants him.
