Luis

Vizcaino

Vizcaino’s ERA sits at 27.00 after three outings this season. Manager Ned Yost said, ''Vizky is struggling, but he’s still my main setup man. He’s going to be out there in the eighth inning (today) if we have the lead.’' Vizcaino is still building his velocity back up. He is going to be fine and is a good bet to steal some saves from Mike DeJean this year. You might be able to get him cheap from a disappointed owner.

Vizcaino, whom some considered a candidate to close for the Brewers after his 2002 performance, has a 10.42 ERA and has allowed six homers and 22 runs in 19 innings this season. We wouldn’t be surprised if he were injured. Leo Estrella, who has an 8 1/3-inning scoreless streak, could replace him as a setup man.

Vizcaino has solidified his status in the Milwaukee bullpen alongside Dan Kolb, Rule 5 pick Jeff Bennett, Adrian Hernandez and Dave Burba. Leo Estrella, Brooks Kieschnick, Chris Michalak, Victor Santos, Matt Wise and Ben Ford are competing for the remaining spots.

The Brewers are thinking of using Vizcaino in longer stints this spring to alleviate his “one and done” approach. If he can return to his 2002 form, Vizcaino could be the leading candidate for saves behind Dan Kolb.

After entering with a three-run lead, the struggling Kolb gave up a hit and walked two. Vizcaino worked out of the bases-loaded jam without damaging Kolb’s ERA, so he should receive a nice dinner to go along with the save.

Vizcaino missed a lot of time during the spring due to a strained quad, and he still doesn’t have his velocity back. Expect him to continue to have problems over the next couple of weeks.

The Brewers considered Vizcaino expendable because he was about to start getting fairly expensive, but he had just one poor half season in three years with the club. Last year, he had a 3.75 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 72 innings. He’s the best option to be the White Sox’s top righty setup man, so his acquisition could put Dustin Hermanson into the rotation. It will depend on how the team spends its savings.

The deal does not include a spring training invite. Vizcaino, now 39, hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2009. He had a 1.40 ERA, 25 saves, and a 69/11 K/BB ratio over 45 innings with Yucatan in the Mexican League last season.

The 39-year-old was in minor league camp with the O’s but will not go to their Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk. It’s not clear whether Vizcaino will look for a job elsewhere or possibly retire.

With Scott Proctor, manager Joe Torre has to choose someone new to try to run into the ground and Vizcaino was the obvious choice. He entered Tuesday’s game with the Yankees up 11-1 in the eighth. “The MRI was nice,” GM Brian Cashman said, adding that the prescription is just rest.