The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to activate relief pitcher Jason Grilli on Saurday.
Grilli threw a 20-pitch simulated inning on Wednesday and said he is ready to return to action. THe Pirates have not had Grilli available since April 21 when he went down with a left oblique strain.
Jason Grilli said he felt good after his 1 inning, 20-pitch sim game. Targeting Saturday as a return.
— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) May 21, 2014
Mark Melancon has been filling in as the Pirates closer in Grilli’s absence and could remain there for a while longer.
Prior to going down Grilli had posted a 4.50 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in eight appearances while recording four saves. A season ago he was selected to the NL All-Star team after recording 33 saves in 54 games with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.
