The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up a six-game homestand with a three-game set starting tonight against the Atlanta Braves. Something will give as the Pirates have lost their past two games but are 9-0 against NL East opponents at PNC Park this season. Last night, the Pirates played for nearly five hours in a 5-4, 13-inning loss. "We just had a lot of bad luck last night and it seems like a lot of the balls we hit might usually leave the ballpark for home runs and instead landed on the ... Read More
Pirates GM Neal Huntington Comments on Grilli Trade
Pirates GM Neal Huntington spoke to the media concerning the trade of Jason Grilli to the Angels in exchange for RHP Ernesto Frieri. On making the trade: "It's one of those change of scenery deals that both clubs are looking at guys they liked in the past that are currently struggling and felt they were the right move for their club and we certainly appreciate everything Jason has done not only on the field but in the clubhouse and in the community and the human part of it makes it really ... Read More
Pirates Trade Jason Grilli to Angels for Ernesto Frieri
The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired right-handed pitcher Ernesto Frieri from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jason Grilli. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. Since being acquired by the Angels on May 3, 2012, Frieri has recorded a total of 216 strikeouts, which rank second among all American League relievers behind Greg Holland (238). He also recorded 71 saves as a member of the Angels, which is ... Read More
Jason Grilli reportedly to be removed as Pirates closer
According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Jason Grilli will be removed from his closer role for the Pittsburgh Pirates. #pirates have removed Jason Grilli from closers role.— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) June 20, 2014 For time being, #pirates will use @GrillCheese49 in ultra low-leverage situations (i.e. losing game) so he can work things out.— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) June 20, 2014 It has been a tough season for the former All-Star closer. ... Read More
Frazier’s Ninth Inning Homer Lifts Reds Past Pirates 6-5
Pittsburgh-- Todd Frazier sent a Jason Grilli fastball off the batters eye in the top of the ninth inning to give the Reds a 6-5 victory over the Pirates on Tuesday night. Baserunning errors cost the Pirates (34-36) early chances to knock Johnny Cueto out of the game as Andrew McCutchen was thrown out at home in the third on a fly ball to Reds centerfielder Billy Hamilton. Josh Harrison ran into an out in the sixth inning when he tried for third on a grounder to short and Jose Tabata was also ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 5/20: Lineups, Injury Update, Hurdle’s Quarter-Pole Evaluation
Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (18-25) face the Orioles (22-20) in the first of a two-game interleague set. Francisco Liriano (0-3, 4.25 ERA) will look to build off of his last start as he faces Miguel Gonzalez (1-3, 4.76 ERA). Injury Update -- Jason Grilli threw the first of two simulated games on back-to-back days today and the results were positive. "It was another good day for him to go and throw all of his pitches," said manager Clint Hurdle. "20 off the mound ... Read More
Pirates Should Stay With a Closer by Committee Once Grilli Returns
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been playing better baseball over the past two weeks, despite injuries that have kept closer Jason Grilli and starting catcher Russell Martin on the shelf. Both veteran leaders expect to be returning to the active roster sometime before the end of May. Grilli has been out with a left oblique strain since April 21. On Wednesday at Miller Park in Milwaukee, the Pirates closer threw a side session of two simulated innings, 24 pitches overall. Reports from the session ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 5/9: Lineups, Suspensions Given, DL Update
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (14-20) begin a three-game weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals (18-17). Francisco Liriano (0-3, 4.54 ERA) will again look for win #1 tonight against Michael Wacha (2-3, 2.55 ERA), who is making his first start at PNC since his dominating performance in game 4 of last seasons NLDS. Suspensions Handed Out MLB has made a ruling on the appeals from Travis Snider and Russel Martin. Both rulings were upheld and Snider will serve his two games ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Setup man / Closer
We move on with our 2014 Pirates position previews with the men that shut the door on opposing offences at the end of games. The Pirates back end was 73 - 5 -- three of those losses came in the final month-- when taking a lead into the eighth inning and it produced two NL All-Stars in Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli. Tony Watson and Justin Wilson also aided in the setup role with their power game to create one of the most feared groups in the league. Justin Wilson: 2013: 6 - 1, 2.08 ERA ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Wandy Shut Down, Hurdle Talks Grilli Bounceback
The Pirates (85 - 62) look to rebound after last night's tough loss against the Cubs (63 - 84) in the third game of this four-game set. Gerrit Cole (7 - 7, 3.48 ERA) opposes Scott Baker (0 - 0, 0.00 ERA). Leading Off Wandy Rodriguez has been shut down for the remainder of the 2013 season by the Pirates. Rodriguez hasn't pitched since June 5th when he left in the first inning in Atlanta. He had a 6 - 4 record with a 2.59 ERA in 12 starts while striking out 46 and walking 12. The Pirates look to ... Read More