Jason Grilli back in closers role
Jason Grilli (30 SV, 2.85 ERA) will return to the closers role starting tonight, manager Clint Hurdle said during his pregame media session. Mark Melancon will be in a setup role if the opportunity presents itself. Grilli is getting an opportunity to reclaim the closers role with eight games remaining. He’s been pitching mostly out of the 7th inning since coming off the DL in September. Grilli has a 7.20 ERA in September.
Jason Grilli expected to be sidelined for around 4-8 weeks
Pirates closer Jason Grilli doesn’t need surgery but he won’t closing games anytime soon. Grilli has been diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right arm. The timetable established right now is around four to eight weeks. Grilli’s injury has the Pirates exploring the trade market for bullpen depth. The team on Thursday scouted a throwing session for ex-Giants closer Brian Wilson who hasn’t pitched in 15 months and underwent his second tommy john surgery after being overworked in the 2010 season. Wilson, though, is considered close to being ready to pitch again. Wilson, 31, has 171 career saves.
Morning Pirates Buzz: On Jason Grilli now 21-for-21 in saves and Jeanmar Gomez
ON THE PIRATES Jason Grilli (21 saves, 1.14 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-20) continue to be one of baseball’s best stories in 2013. The Pirates Tuesday night improved to 32-20 with a 1-0 shutout win over the Detroit Tigers (29-21) in extra innings (11 innings). Grilli who leads the Majors with 21 saves, is now 21-for-21 in save opportunities and when it comes to Grilli picking up his 21st save of the season, the situation (11th inning) and who he had to get out doesn’t get any better. After Neil Walker (.259 – 3HR – 15RBI) homered in the top of the 11th to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead, Grilli came on in the bottom of the 11th