Righty Vizca¨ªno signs Minors deal with KC
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals signed right-hander Arodys Vizca¨ªno to a Minor League contract on Thursday, giving the club another relief pitcher with big league experience ahead of the 2022 season.
Vizca¨ªno, 31, has Major League experience across parts of seven seasons, the last coming in 2019 with the Braves. He spent last season in the Mets organization but was limited to just 7 2/3 innings -- allowing two runs in that span -- because of injuries.
When he has been able to stay on the field, though, Vizca¨ªno has been a solid depth piece. In 2017 with Atlanta, he posted a 2.83 ERA in 57 1/3 innings, striking out 64 while walking 21. He has previously flashed a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and possesses secondary pitches -- a mix that could make him a sneaky good signing for the Royals if they¡¯re able to keep him on the field and harness his power.
While clubs aren¡¯t allowed to make Major League transactions during the lockout, they can sign players to Minor League contracts, and the Royals have been able to make a few depth moves this offseason. Shortstop Ivan Castillo, outfielder JaCoby Jones and now Vizca¨ªno have all joined the organization this winter.
Minor League coordinators and support staff announced
The Royals also announced their coordinators and support staff for 2022 on Thursday, including the return of four longtime members of the organization in Rafael Belliard (special assistant to the president of baseball operations and general manager), John Wathan (special assistant, player development), Chino Cadahia (senior coordinator, player development) and Harry Spilman (special assistant, player development).
John Wagle returns as the director of performance science/player development, and Justin Hahn will be the director of medical services/physical therapy. Erika Wincheski has been a registered dietician for the past four seasons with the Royals and will now be the director of sports nutrition in 2022.
The Royals will staff eight Minor League coordinators this season: Pitching coordinator Jason Simontacchi, hitting coordinator Drew Saylor, Dominican Academy field coordinator Victor Baez, infield coordinator Eddie Rodriguez, catching coordinator J.C. Boscan, Minor League medical coordinator Justin Kemp, strength and conditioning/rehab coordinator Jarret Abell and Minor League video coordinator Jason Nicols.
Jeff Suppan will return for his fourth season as a roving pitching coach, and Mike Tosar enters his third season as the special assignment hitting coach, with multiple players crediting him for their hitting performances. The Royals also hired Nic Jackson as the assistant hitting coordinator. The former Minor League player was a hitting coach in the Mets' organization last season and has scouting experience.