Pittsburgh Pirates closer Jason Grilli has been diagnosed with a strained right flexor tendon and will need a period of rest before beginning a throwing program, the team announced on Twitter Friday.
Jason Grilli injury: Pirates closer out 4-8 weeks with strained right flexor tendon
Grilli won’t require surgery on his injured throwing arm.
Norm Hall
Grilli will be re-evaluated in the next 10-14 days, but the announcement insisted that his injury will not require surgery at this time. Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the typical recovery timetable for this type of injury is between four and eight weeks.
The 36-year-old Grilli has been rock solid in his first season as the Pirates’ closer with 30 saves and a 2.34 ERA, but he has not pitched in a game for Pittsburgh since suffering the injury on July 22.
Mark Melancon will work as the team's closer in Grilli's absence. His 0.93 ERA should help stabilize the backend of Pittsburgh's bullpen while Grilli's elbow heals.
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