Braves watching Grilli’s workload
Veteran right-hander Jason Grilli has been an effective closer for the Braves this season, and the plan for manager Fredi Gonzalez and pitching coach Roger McDowell is to watch his workload so he can keep it going.
“I think Roger and I have done a great job with him with his age and this stage of his career to keep him fresh and keep him out there (so) every time you feel he’s going to give you a great outing,” Gonzalez said. “He’s not 28. He’s 38-years old, and he’s been good.”
Grilli didn’t pitch in a save situation on Friday against the Phillies after he’d appeared in consecutive games. Jim Johnson earned his fifth save of the season in the 2-1 victory.
Entering Saturday Grilli had pitched in back-to-back games five times this season, on one day of rest 11 times, on two days of rest seven times and with three or more days of rest a total of eight times. Grilli’s extended rest came when he was slowed by back spasms in early May.
After earning a win on Thursday Grilli had pitched 30 2/3 innings over 80 games, putting him on pace for about 62 innings. He hasn’t pitched that many innings in a season since he had 75 in 2008 between Detroit and Colorado.
Grilli pitched a total of 45 2/3 innings in 2009, 32 2/3 in 2011, 58 2/3 in 2012, 50 in 2013 and 54 last year. Grilli missed the 2010 season after suffering a torn quadriceps muscle while in spring training with the Indians.
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