The Braves announced two substantial moves to their roster on Sunday, sending Newcomb to AAA Gwinett and placing Arodys Vizcaino on the Injured List.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Jacob Webb & RHP Dan Winkler from @GoStripers & placed RHP Arodys VizcaÃno on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 11, with right shoulder inflammation. The club also optioned LHP Sean Newcomb to the Stripers following last night’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 14, 2019
The decision to send down Newcomb could be seen from a mile away. Despite possessing all the talent in the world, he has been unable to throw strikes with consistency over his 2+ years in the big leagues. Newcomb is averaging 5.8 BB per nine innings and gave up four earned runs in an inning and a third against the Mets on Saturday. Hopefully, during his stint in Gwinnett, he can find the confidence he has been lacking since June of 2018.
Demoting Sean Newcomb was a lot easier after Touki Toussaint relieved Newcomb and threw six innings of shutout baseball. Although it’s not official, Toussaint should be getting the ball next Friday against the Indians.
Dan Winkler will take Newcomb’s place on the roster. The right-handed reliever had a 3.43 ERA in 69 appearances for the Braves last year. Winkler has been in three games for the Stripers this season and has yet to allow the run. His presence, along with Jacob Webb, will be asked to replace the production of Arodys Vizcaino, who heads to the Injured List.
Vizcaino has been battling shoulder soreness dating back to last year. This isn’t a promising sign, and it could be a while before we see him on the mound again, even though he only heads to the 10-Day IL. Jacob Webb comes up in his place. The 25-year old has been among the most productive relievers in the Braves’ farm system for the last couple of years. He has a 2.25 ERA in four innings so far this year.