In just his second month in the big leagues, Atlanta Braves reliever Mauricio Cabrera is showing signs he could be a closer in the future.
David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution writes that Cabrera's demeanor, secondary pitches, and, of course, his 100 mph fastball put him in consideration for the closer's job in 2017.
Braves interim manager Brian Snitker told O'Brien that Cabrera will "absolutely" contend for the role, noting the 22-year-old's presence, poise, makeup and intangibles as ideal for someone coming out of the back end of the bullpen.
“I think absolutely, when you have what he has in that arm, you absolutely look at him like that, as a future closer probably down the road," Snitker said.
Cabrera, called up from Double-A Mississippi in late June, has a 2.55 ERA, four holds and two saves in 17â…” innings. The right-hander has 16 strikeouts and a 1.02 WHIP.
Arodys Vizcaino started the season as the Braves' closer and was an All-Star candidate -- 3.00 ERA, 47 strikeouts and 10 saves in 36 innings -- before being placed on the 15-day disabled list July 16 with a right oblique strain. Vizcaino has not yet been cleared to throw off of a mound, O'Brien writes.
Vizcaino, who is eligible for arbitration this winter, would be the leading candidate for the closer role next season unless the Braves trade him, O'Brien writes. O'Brien adds Cabrera could compete for, or even split, closing duties with Vizcaino if Cabrera keeps improving, or at least be the setup man of a strong 1-2 punch at the back end of the bullpen.
