The Pittsburgh Pirates have the luxury of having two proven closers in their bullpen. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t like to have some determined and set roles as they move forward in this season. Manager Clint Hurdle, however, knows that immediately thrusting Jason Grilli back into multiple high-leverage situations isn’t necessarily the best way to go.
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Grilli has already saved one game since returning from the disabled list. Before he went down with a strained oblique muscle, the Pirates incumbent closer saved four games. Since then, Mark Melancon has been filling in when necessary. Even with Grilli back, Melancon is assuming the bulk of the closing duties. The Pirates bullpen as a whole has blown 11 saves while Grilli was on the DL.
The save opportunity against the Washington Nationals has been the only appearance for the 37-year old All-Star since being reinstated, and Hurdle says he’d like to put Grilli in a few more situations to observe the situation before officially putting him back in the closer role.
"“I would like to get Jason out there another time in a different situation than we placed him the first time out,” Hurdle said. “Running him right back out in a save situation, it might not happen, but the overall bullpen I think is working to a better place.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2014/05/28/Pirates-notebook-Clint-Hurdle-weighing-options-with-closer/stories/201405280048#ixzz3375wnnqJ"
Right now, the Pirates are using Justin Wilson and Jared Hughes as late-inning relievers to bridge the gap to Melancon. Wilson, in 21 games, has posted a 3.10 ERA, allowing just over a hit per inning. Hughes has made 14 appearances, and compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.30 ERA.