The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Tuesday that they have placed All-Star closer Jason Grilli on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain.
Grilli, who leads the National League with 30 saves this season, grimaced in pain and walked off the mound after throwing a pitch to Washington Nationals infielder Steve Lombardozzi on Monday night. After the pitch, he called to the dugout for manager Clint Hurdle and the trainer to come out.
Grilli, 36, is enjoying a career renaissance as the leader of the Pirates bullpen and has been one of the better stories throughout the first half of the season. Grilli has pitched 42.1 innings this season and owns a 2.34 ERA and 0.92 WHIP while boasting 66 strikeouts.
Grilli lasted 0.2 innings on Monday night, giving up two runs, two hits and one walk. The two runs that Grilli gave up were the first runs he allowed in five appearances, showing how important and consistent he has been for the Pirates.
Grilli originally tweeted that the injury was just a minor set-back before the Pirates opted to send him to the DL.
While missing Grilli could be a huge blow to the Pirates, Mark Melancon could be next to fill the closers role in Grilli's absence. Melancon boasts a 0.97 ERA in 46.1 innings pitched and has fanned 47 batters this season while only walking six.
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said that the DL was necessary for Grilli because he is expected to miss at least seven to 10 days, possibly more depending on how severe the injury is.
A video of Grilli leaving the mound in discomfort can be found here
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