Atlanta Braves Jason Grilli Day To Day With Back Spasms
By Jeff Schafer
Atlanta Braves closer, Jason Grilli, hasn’t pitched since May 6th and the reason has been unknown until after the Sunday game. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters that Grilli is dealing with back spasms and is day to day.
“He’s dealing with some back spasms and is day to day,” Gonzalez said.
The 38-year-old has been a bright spot for the Braves bullpen that has struggled in 2015. He is bringing a veteran leadership presence to the locker room and a firing attitude on the field.
Grilli currently has nine saves for the Braves and once led the majors in that category. The leader now is Andrew Miller of the Yankees with 13 saves.
After Gonzalez updated us with this news, Grilli talked about the injury.
“It’s tough to pinpoint when back spasms began,” Grilli said.
#Braves Grilli said it's tough to pinpoint when back spasms began, and he seemed in no mood for deep discussion on matter with press.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 10, 2015
With Grilli on the shelve the Braves relied on Cody Martin today to get the job done late in the game and Fredi put too much pressure on him.
Grilli was an All-Star in 2013 when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates when he saved 33 games and had a 2.70 ERA. In 2014, he only totaled 12 saves between the Pirates and Angles.
For a closer look at Grilli’s 2015 season stats, check out the chart below.
| Year | W | L | ERA | G | GF | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | WHIP | H9 | BB9 | SO9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 0 | 1 | 4.50 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10.0 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 1.200 | 7.2 | 3.6 | 14.4 |
Atlanta now heads to Cincinnati to take on the Reds in a three game series. Gonzalez is hoping Grilli is able to pitch and I think we all are as well. If Grilli can’t pitch soon, the Braves will have to make a move to get another arm into the already stuggling bullpen.