Pirates’ closer sidelined with a forearm strain (Flickr.com)
CBS Sports is reporting the Pittsburgh Pirates have placed closer Jason Grilli on the 15 day disabled list with a right forearm strain. Pirates’ beat writer Rob Biertempfel first reported the move.
Grilli injured the arm in last night’s victory over the Washington Nationals, possibly on the pitch that Jayson Werth hit for a two run homer. He attempted to battle through, staying in the game until he was pulled with two outs in the 9th. Vin Mazzaro replaced him and recorded the final out and the save.
It is expected though unconfirmed that set up man Mark Melancon will become the Pirates’ closer while Grilli is on the shelf.
On the year, Grilli has a National League leading 30 saves in 31 tries. He sports a 2.34 ERA and has struck out 66 in 42 1/3.
UPDATE: Biertempfel is also reporting the Pirates have recalled reliever Vic Black from AAA and DFA’s Brandon Inge.
