Jason Grilli left tonight’s game in the ninth inning with two outs. Grilli threw a fastball to get a first pitch strike, then walked off the mound and called the trainers out. Grilli was getting hit around earlier in the inning, and his fastball was flat. He appeared to be grimacing after a few of the pitches. No word yet on what the injury is, or if there’s even an injury. Vin Mazzaro came on to close out the game with a groundout, giving the Pirates a 6-5 victory.
If Grilli goes down, Mark Melancon would be the obvious choice as the new closer. Justin Wilson would be a good choice for the 8th inning man, although it’s possible the Pirates wouldn’t want to use a lefty in that role.
Jared Hughes is currently rehabbing in Indianapolis, and threw a shutout inning tonight. By all of the reports I’ve received, Hughes has looked filthy with a great sinker in his rehab work. I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes up to take Grilli’s roster spot.
I’ll update this as more information comes out.
UPDATE 10:54 PM: Grilli has right forearm discomfort.
I've never seen a winning clubhouse that somber. #Pirates say Jason Grilli has right forearm discomfort, will evaluate further.
— Michael Sanserino (@msanserino) July 23, 2013
It’s never good to hear about forearm discomfort with a pitcher. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see what the evaluation is.