Scuffling Vizcaino feeling ‘rusty’ since return

PHOENIX — Arodys Vizcaino entered June as a dependable closer who was being considered a possible candidate to represent the Braves at the All-Star Game. But as the season’s final month approaches, Vizcaino has made it difficult to even consider him a reliable middle-relief option.

While blowing a three-run seventh inning lead during Monday night’s 9-8 loss to the D-backs, Vizcaino surrendered four runs for the second time in three appearances since returning from a month-long stint on the disabled list. It would be easy to simply blame his struggles on rust if he had not started to decline as June elapsed.

“I feel a little rusty,” Vizcaino said Tuesday afternoon. “I had a few rehab appearances, but it’s not the same as pitching up here. I’m just trying to adjust, improve and get back to where I was.”

Vizcaino ascended to a level the Braves did not necessarily envision when they took a chance on him, opting to trade Tommy La Stella to the Cubs for him after …

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